History of Kali Puja:
History told us that just hundred years ago, the ferocious, blood-thirsty bandits who roamed into the jungles and lone roads of Indian subcontinent were only subservient to a single goddess – Kali. There have also some myths about sacrificing humans before this goddess by the mystic druids – The Kapaliks on new moon.
However, with the passage of time this much feared Goddess has become one of the most adorable deities of Bangali Hindu community. The Kalika Purana describes “Kali as possessing a soothing dark complexion, as perfectly beautiful, riding a lion, four-armed, holding a sword and blue lotuses, her hair unrestrained, body firm and youthful”. In spite of her seemingly terrible form, Kali is often considered the kindest and most loving of all the Hindu goddesses, as she is regarded by her devotees as the Mother of the whole Universe.
The famous flower Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, known colloquially as the “Jaba” is an integral item of Kali worshipping. Kali is a symbol of wholeness and healing, associated especially with repressed female power and maternity of nature. In Bangla speaking region, Kali is worshipped in the festival Kali Puja – the new moon day of Ashwin month which coincides with Diwali (Dipabali) festival. This two religious festival have formed an amalgam of joy, devotion and celebration among the believers.
Kali Puja festival in Bangladesh:
Kali Puja is celebrated just a few nights after the main religious festival of Bangali Hindus- the Durga Puja. Kali puja (like Durga Puja) worshipers honor goddess Kali in their homes in the form of clay idols and in pandals (temporary shrines or open pavilions). Now-a-days apart from the sacred worshipping rituals the celebration through lightshow, colossal and elaborately decorated gates, delicious sweets and cuisines etc. has become more major part of this festival. Yet based on locality this festival has some variety. Sometimes the idols and pandals are inspired by a particular theme.
“Barisal- the Venice of Bengal” is famous for celebrating this festival. On this day the Hindu Cemetery of Barisal city takes a different look. The Hindu people come there to the crematorium of their ancestors and beloved ones and lit candles or small clay lamps (dipas) in memory of the souls. Some people float away these clay lamps into the nearby canals. This random rows of lamps under the dark but star canopied sky suddenly changes the entire surroundings, creates a magnificent aura of devoutness.
“Mymensingh- another famous city of Bangladesh, where Kali Puja comes like a carnival”. Nearly about 150 Pandals are constructed each year. Mainly the pujas are held in various ‘paras’ who have their own local clubs and sometimes rich families organizing the yearly pujas. Here the celebration is not lasted for only a single night but three days and nights. The youngsters celebrate it by their own way. Wearing new dresses (of course of latest fashion) they hangout with their friends, visit other Puja Mandaps .Visiting pandals with friends and family, talking and sampling the food sold near them is known as pandal hopping. The town announces its festive mood by lighting candles, clay lamps; bursting firecrackers and huge uproar. The main two sacred Puja Mandaps are the Boro Kali Bari Temple and Ramakrishna Mission. Melas are to be found in many corners. Girls and women dress attractively. They wear colorful clothing and new jewellery, and their hands are decorated with henna designs. On the last day, when the goddess is to return her abode, colorful processions come out from different corners of the town. All of them proceed to the banks of Brahmaputra to bid fare well to their goddess by immersing her clay idol in the river water; it’s called the Bisarjana.
“Dhaka- our beloved capitol is also famous for celebrating Kali Puja and Dipabali”. The Dakeshwari National Temple, Ramakrishna Mission and Tanti Bazar-Shakhari Bazar are the main hubs for celebration. The Tanti Bazar-Shakhari Bazar locality of Old Dhaka is undoubtedly the heart of Kali Puja celebration with large crowds and numerous Puja Mandaps. You can surely have a visit to watch the sculptural beauty of idols; see the divine glow of lamps, candles and spectacular fireworks; and worthy of all, to feel the extravaganza of human celebration.
To see more photos of Kali Puja, please check the following links:
Kali Puja at Tati Bazar and Shakhari Bazar, Old Dhaka, 2010
Kali Puja at Postagola, Old Dhaka, 2010
Article by:
Suronzit Kumer & Amitav Adhikary
