Kali Puja & Diwali: The twin festivals leading from darkness to light

way2barak, Oct.24: The festive mood of Durga Puja, 2022 has now paved its way for Kali Puja and Diwali. Though as per weather forecast, there would be heavy rainfall on 24 & 25 October, yet that could hardly dampen the spirit of the people. Overcoming all odds, people were seen making arrangements for celebration of Kali Puja & Diwali.

Festival, whatever it might be, to whichever religion it may belong and wherever it may be celebrated, symbolises happiness and mass participation. The autumn festival, or Sharodotsab, ends with Kali Puja and Diwali centring around worship of Mother Goddess Kali and Lakshmi. Kali is the first of 10 incarnations of Durga and is believed to destroy evil and egoism and fights for justice. Kali was born from Durga’s forehead to save heaven and earth from cruel demons.

When North India celebrates Diwali to commemorate Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after his fourteen years of banishment, Eastern & NorthEast India celebrates Kali Puja. Kali is the goddess of destruction, the other side of the cycle of the creation concerning cosmic law of constant transformation. Goddess Kali is depicted with disheveled hair, wearing a garland of skulls and holding a demon’s head in one hand and a weapon on the other.

Being the cosmic energy and element behind creation, Kali took no colour and remained black. Kali Puja is celebrated on amavasya, coinciding with Diwali, the festival of light. Diwali signifies inner and outer illumination. In north India, it marks the day of the return of Rama after defeating Ravana, a symbol of evil. During Kali Puja, the devotees observe a very strict fast. They break the fast after the puja ceremony. Red Hibiscus (Joba flower) is an important flower for Kali Puja as it is regarded as Her favourite.

Kali Puja is performed during the Amavasya tithi . The following is the timing of Kali Puja, 2022 as per DrikPanchang:

2022 Kali Puja timing and date

• The date is October 24, 2022.
• The Amavasya Tithi begins at 05:27 PM on October 24, 2022.
• Amavasya Tithi ends on October 25, 2022 at 04:18 PM.

Diwali or Deepavali, the festival of lights is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm. On this day, houses are decorated with lights. There are many legends associated with Diwali. These myths are a reminder of the Hindu belief that good ultimately triumphs over evil.

Thus, the celebration commemorates Lord Rama’s final return home from exile and welcome with a glittering row of lights radiating from every household. It also coincides with the Pandavas’ return from the forest. The underlining theme of Diwali is victory of good over evil.

way2barak.com wishes all its readers on the occasion of Kali Puja & Diwali….