Why is Maa Kali worshipped in Bengal on Diwali?

Diwali 2024 Kali Puja / Why is Maa Kali worshipped in Bengal on Diwali?

Diwali 2024 Kali Puja - Why is Maa Kali worshipped in Bengal on Diwali?

Diwali 2024 Kali Puja: The festival of Diwali is celebrated with great fervor across the country, but the way of celebrating this festival varies in every state. Especially in West Bengal, Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja. Here on this day special worship of Maa Kali is done, which is the main attraction of this occasion. It is believed that by worshiping Maa Kali properly at midnight on this day, all sorrows and troubles are removed, enemies are destroyed and happiness and prosperity comes in life.

Mythological significance of Kali Puja

The legend of worshiping Maa Kali in Bengal is very interesting. There was a time when the atrocities of demons like Chand-Mund, Shumbh-Nishumbh had increased. These demons started a war with the gods to capture even Indralok. The gods sought help from Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva manifested Amba, a form of Mother Parvati. Mata Amba assumed the terrifying form of Maa Kali to kill the demons and destroyed all the tyrannical demons.

Meanwhile, an extremely powerful demon named Raktbeej was born. Raktbeej was such a demon that as soon as a drop of his blood fell on the ground, a new demon was born from that blood. Maa Kali pulled out her tongue to kill Raktbeej and attacked him with her sword. But before even a single drop of blood fell on the ground, she drank it. Thus Raktbeej was destroyed, but Maa Kali's anger did not subside.

As soon as Lord Shiva saw that Maa Kali was in a destructive mood, he tried to stop her by laying his body in the path of Maa Kali. Maa Kali's foot fell on Lord Shiva's chest, and as soon as she realized that it was Lord Shiva, her anger ended. Thus, Maa Kali blessed all living beings and hence she is worshipped on the Amavasya of Kartik month.

Maa Kali Puja Vidhi

The Maa Kali Puja Vidhi is very simple. Follow the following steps for the Puja:

Bath and Vrat Sankalp: Take a bath in the morning and take a vow to fast.

Decoration of Puja Sthal: Place the idol or picture of Goddess Kali at the place of worship and decorate it with red or black cloth.

Invocation and Offering: Invoke Maa Kali and invite her to the Puja. Offer water, milk and flowers on the idol of the Goddess.

Sindoor and Deepak: Offer vermilion, turmeric, kumkum and kajal. Light a mustard oil lamp and perform aarti with camphor.

Incense and Naivedya: Light incense or agarbatti and place it in front of Maa Kali and offer sweets, fruits, and naivedya.

Chanting of Mantra: Chant “Om Kreem Kali” or “Kreem Kali”, which is dear to Maa Kali.

Aarti and Conclusion: At the end of the Puja, perform aarti of Maa Kali with camphor and conclude the Puja.

Conclusion

This festival of Diwali is not only a symbol of lights and happiness, but it is also a symbol of strength and dedication. This special occasion of worshiping Maa Kali not only reflects the culture of Bengal, but it also gives us the message of strength and courage. This Diwali, pray to Maa Kali to give us strength with her blessings and bring happiness and prosperity in our lives.