Kalighat Kali Temple
One of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Queues are very long on Kali Puja night; use the official queue and avoid touts. Metro: Kalighat.
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Kali Puja in Kolkata
A practical guide to Kali Puja, Diwali night, temples and community pujas in Kolkata.
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Kali Puja 2026 nirghonto
Bhoot Chaturdashi: Sat, 7 Nov. Kali Puja & Diwali: Sun, 8 Nov; Amavasya worship is held at night, with nishita puja around 11:39 pm–12:31 am IST. Bhai Phonta: Tue, 10 Nov. Times vary by panjika.
What Kali Puja means in Bengal
Kali, also called Shyama, is worshipped on Kartik’s new-moon night, chiefly after dark. Bengal’s Diwali is Kali Puja night: homes are lit with diyas and candles in a Dipanwita observance, while temples and neighbourhood committees make space for worship, light and community. A first visit is best planned around one area rather than a rushed city-wide circuit. Follow official queues, volunteer directions and traffic diversions, particularly after evening.
Kali temples in and around Kolkata
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Built by Rani Rashmoni and consecrated in 1855, where Sri Ramakrishna served as priest. Metro: Dakshineswar; the skywalk reaches the temple. A ferry crosses to Belur Math.
Open in Google Maps →Thanthania Kalibari
An old Siddheswari Kali temple on Bidhan Sarani in North Kolkata, associated with Sri Ramakrishna’s visits.
Open in Google Maps →Firinghi Kalibari
A Bowbazar temple whose name recalls Anthony Firingee, the nineteenth-century Portuguese-descended Bengali poet-singer.
Open in Google Maps →Lake Kalibari
On Southern Avenue near Rabindra Sarobar, a convenient south Kolkata stop.
Open in Google Maps →Large community pujas
Naihati Boro Maa has been worshipped since 1923; its idol is about 22 feet high and its immersion procession brings very large crowds. Take a Sealdah–Naihati local (about an hour), then confirm the last return train. Barasat is known for themed pandals and lighting; the Sealdah–Barasat local takes about 45 minutes. Arrive early and cover the station-area cluster on foot.
Timings and access change. Please check locally before you go.
Frequently asked questions
When is Kali Puja in 2026?
Kali Puja and Diwali fall on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
What time is nishita puja?
The principal night worship is around 11:39 pm to 12:31 am IST; consult a local panjika for the final timing.
Is Kali Puja the same as Diwali?
In Bengal, Diwali night is Kali Puja night, although families observe it in different ways.
Where are the biggest Kali Pujas near Kolkata?
Naihati Boro Maa and Barasat are major community destinations; expect large crowds.
What is Bhoot Chaturdashi?
It is the eve of Kali Puja, marked by fourteen lamps and a mixed preparation of leafy greens.