Naihati's Boro Maa: history, the idol and crowd tips
On Kali Puja night lakhs of people head to Naihati to see Boro Maa. How it began, what the idol is like, and how to get there.
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The history of Boro Maa
The puja began in 1923. Bhavesh Chakraborty, a jute-mill worker and social worker, had a dream after a visit to Nabadwip in which the goddess asked him to make a gigantic idol of about 22 feet. It was first called Boro Kali or Bhavesh Kali, and later Boro Maa. (Source: Wikipedia, Boro Maa Kali Temple, Naihati)
A new 22-foot idol is made every year. Work starts on Lakshmi Puja with a khuti puja and takes about 15 days. The idol is adorned with roughly 12 kg of gold and 200 kg of silver ornaments. (Source: Wikipedia, Boro Maa Kali Temple, Naihati)
The puja runs for five days during Kali Puja. The committee does not collect chanda from locals and relies on devotees' donations. Many devotees perform dandi kata as a vow. Immersion is in the Ganga; until 1970 the idol was carried on shoulders, and since then it is pulled on a wheeled trolley. (Source: Wikipedia, Boro Maa Kali Temple, Naihati)
The permanent temple
In the puja's 100th year, 2023, a permanent temple opened. Its stone idol was made by sculptor Dharmendra Sau over about three months, with a 35 kg silver backdrop; the reported budget was Rs 8 crore. Special pujas are also held on each of the twelve amavasyas. (Source: Wikipedia, Boro Maa Kali Temple, Naihati)
Getting there
Naihati Junction is on the Sealdah–Naihati–Ranaghat main line in the Sealdah division, station code NH. The station address is Rishi Bankimchandra Road, Naihati. (Source: Wikipedia, Naihati Junction railway station)
💡 Trains and the station are packed on Kali Puja night. To beat the worst crowds, arrive before dusk, check your return train in advance, and agree a meeting spot with your group. Take extra care with children and elders, and keep your phone charged.
2026 update
According to a report dated 25 October 2026, the West Bengal government has decided against any VIP gate at Boro Maa's puja this year, to protect the devotees expected in large numbers. The shrine is preparing for lakhs of visitors. (Source: UNI, no VIP gate at Boro Maa Kali Puja in Naihati (25 Oct 2026))
💡 That means one queue for everyone. Be patient in line, follow the police and volunteers, and do not push.
Questions
- When did Naihati Boro Maa Kali Puja start?
- In 1923, started by Bhavesh Chakraborty.
- How tall is the Naihati Boro Maa idol?
- A new idol of about 22 feet is made each year.
- How do I get to Naihati from Kolkata?
- Take a local train on the Sealdah–Naihati–Ranaghat main line to Naihati Junction, station code NH.
- Will there be a VIP gate at Naihati Boro Maa in 2026?
- No. A 25 October 2026 report says the state government decided against a VIP gate.
- Is the Naihati Boro Maa temple open all year?
- A permanent temple opened in 2023 and special pujas are held on every amavasya; check visiting hours with the temple committee.
See also
Naihati Boro Maa puja pageKali Puja 2026Kali Puja greeting cards