New Delhi: The Hindu festival of Kali Puja or Shyama Puja is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Kali. Kali Puja is performed on the new moon day along with the Diwali festivities during the Kartik month. While most people in India worship Goddess Lakshmi on Amavasya Tithi, which is the most significant day of Diwali; Hindus in West Bengal, Orissa, and Assam celebrate Goddess Kali on the new moon day.


Diwali and Kali Puja usually coincide on the same day, although in certain years, Kali Puja may fall one day before Diwali. The day when Amavasya dominates during midnight is regarded as Kali Puja, whereas the day when Amavasya prevails during Pradosh is considered Lakshmi Puja.


Date and Time of Kali Puja 2022:



Kali Puja is on Monday- October 24, 2022

 

Kali Puja Nishita Time - 10:42 PM to 11:33 PM

Duration - 00 Hours 51 Mins


 


Amavasya Tithi Begins- 05:27 PM on Oct 24, 2022

Amavasya Tithi Ends - 04:18 PM on Oct 25, 2022

 

When we think about Maa Kali, we get a ferocious and aggressive image in our minds. Goddess Kali is depicted with her foot on Lord Shiva's chest, wearing a garland of severed heads and holding a sword in one hand, a sacrificed head in the other, and a scarlet tongue dangling with seething eyes. She is also given a garland of Hibiscus. Goddess Kali's name is derived from the Sanskrit word Kal, which signifies time. This explains the reason why she is immortal.

 

Although, her look is forceful and frightening, yet believers see her as a kind and caring mother who is constantly present to protect her children.


Significance of Kali Puja:


The main objective of the Puja is to ask Goddess Kali for aid in eradicating evil both inside and outside of us. It is also used to pray, to seek happiness, wealth, and peace.


Homes are cleaned and rangoli is prepared to greet the goddess and usher in happiness and prosperity. People decorate their homes with lights, candles, and diyas to welcome Goddess Kali. Sweets are prepared in households and distributed among friends and family. Children burn crackers at night and celebrate this occasion.