When is Kali Puja?+
In 2026, Kali Puja is observed on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Why is Kali Puja held at night?+
By the panjika rule Kali Puja is on the night when the new moon holds at midnight, and the puja is at nishita; it is also called the mahanisha puja. In 2026 the new moon begins before noon on 21 Kartik (8 November), but the puja is that night: the Beni Madhab Sil panjika says "at midnight", and nishita in Dhaka is 11:16 PM to 12:08 AM (drik reckoning).
Is Kali Puja on 21 or 22 Kartik?+
21 Kartik by the traditional reckoning (Beni Madhab Sil, the MandirBD panjika), 22 Kartik in the Bishuddha Siddhanta panjika, and 23 Kartik in Bangladesh's national calendar. The English date is the same everywhere: Sunday, 8 November 2026.
Why is it called Shyama Puja?+
Kali's dhyan describes her as "mahameghaprabham shyamam", dark as a great rain cloud. Hence her name Shyama, and the name Shyama Puja.
Is Kali Puja a holiday in Bangladesh?+
On the 2026 government list, Shyama Puja on Sunday, 21 Kartik (8 November) is an optional holiday for Hindus. Up to three optional days a year may be taken, approved at the start of the year. By the 2026 list for schools and colleges, they are closed that day.
What is done on Bhut Chaturdashi?+
The fourteen lamps are lit on the evening before Kali Puja, Saturday, 20 Kartik (7 November). The Beni Madhab Sil panjika puts the fourteen greens on the next morning, 21 Kartik (8 November), while Chaturdashi lasts (until 11:18 AM Bangladesh time). The lamps are believed to be for fourteen generations of ancestors and to keep ill away.
Are Dipavali and Kali Puja on the same day?+
Yes, on the same new-moon night. In Bengal it is Dipanwita Amavasya: lamps at dusk, then Kali Puja at night. Many families light lamps at the cremation ground for departed relatives.
Can Kali Puja be done at home?+
Yes. At home the goddess is usually worshipped in the non-tantric way, as the primordial Shakti, and a priest is usually called for the full puja. If you do not know the mantras, light a lamp and call on Ma in your own words.
When is Bhai Phonta?+
Wednesday, 24 Kartik (11 November). Dwitiya begins on the afternoon of 10 November, so some say the 10th; by both Beni Madhab Sil and Bishuddha Siddhanta, as published in West Bengal, Bhai Phonta is on the 11th.
