Kali Puja in Puri is celebrated with great devotion and grandeur, coinciding with Diwali (Amavasya of Kartik month). While most of India celebrates Lakshmi Puja on Diwali, Odisha, especially in Puri, focuses on Maa Kali worship — known as Shyama Puja or Kali Puja. The festival celebrated on Amavasya night of Kartik month (usually October–November). It marks the night when Goddess Kali appeared to destroy evil forces and protect devotees.
Rituals of Kali Puja :
❀ Devotees perform Tantrik rituals, Yajna, and midnight Kali arati.
❀ The goddess is worshipped in her fierce form, adorned with red hibiscus flowers, sindoor, and ornaments.
❀ Offerings include rice, sweets, fish, betel and liquor (as per traditional custom).
❀ Lighting of diyas and crackers brightens the night, similar to Diwali elsewhere.
❀ Homam (fire ritual) is performed to invoke divine protection.
❀ Bali (symbolic sacrifice) rituals may be held in traditional Tantrik temples.
❀ Evening time family member gathers, burn sticks and sing for forefathers. People give tarpan to their forefathers in baisi pahach (22 steps) of Jagannath Dham puri.
| Related Name | Maa Shyama Kali Puja |
| Begins Tithi | Amavasya of Kartik month |
| Reason | Maa Kali |
| Celebrations | Prayer at Temple, Vrat, Puja at Home |
Updated: Oct 27, 2025 17:14 PM