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Kali Puja and Diwali: one night, two ways to celebrate

On the night much of India worships Lakshmi, Bengal worships Kali. Here is how the two fit together and when it falls in 2026.

Last checked: 31 Oct 2026 · 4 sources

Same night, different goddess

Kali Puja is held on the new-moon night, the darkest night of Ashwin or Kartik depending on which calendar you follow. That is the same night as Diwali. Across much of north India homes light lamps and worship Lakshmi and Ganesha; in Bengal the lamps burn just the same, but the worship is of Shyama Ma. (Source: Wikipedia, Kali Puja)

It is not only Bengal. Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Jharkhand and parts of Bihar also hold Kali Puja, and it is celebrated in neighbouring Bangladesh too. (Source: Wikipedia, Kali Puja)

Nishita kaal, the midnight puja

In many places the goddess is worshipped at night with tantric rites and mantras, and devotees stay awake meditating until dawn. Many homes and pandals instead follow the non-tantric Brahmanical rites, which have no animal sacrifice. The offerings prescribed for her are red hibiscus, sweets, rice and lentils. (Source: Wikipedia, Kali Puja)

💡 Nishita kaal is the window around midnight and it shifts a little by city. Check your own city's time in the next section, and compare with the panjika at home.

Bhoot Chaturdashi, the night before

In West Bengal and Bangladesh the day before Kali Puja is Bhoot Chaturdashi. Every dark corner of the house is lit and fourteen lamps are set out. The belief is that the fourteen forefathers of a family visit their living relatives that night, and the lamps light their way. (Source: Wikipedia, Bhoot Chaturdashi)

2026: date and times

💡 Always confirm the exact puja time with your para committee or family priest; panjikas can differ slightly.

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