Kali Puja celebrated nationwide with religious fervour.
Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Puja, is being celebrated across the country tonight with traditional religious fervour, devotion and enthusiasm.
Kali Puja, popularly known as Deepabali or the festival of lights, is observed on the new moon night (Amavasya) of the Bengali month of Kartik.
The festival is dedicated to Goddess Kali, regarded as the embodiment of divine power, strength, wisdom and the destruction of evil.
As part of the celebration, devotees illuminated their homes, temples and crematoriums with earthen lamps (pradeep) and candles in remembrance of their ancestors.
In the capital, the festival is being held at Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ramkrishna Math and Mission, Siddheshwari Kali Mandir, Ramna Kali Mandir, Sri Sri Baradeshwari Kalimata Temple, Radha Gobinda Jeo Temple, Postogola Crematorium, Biharilal Jeo Temple in Sutrapur, Gautam Mandir, Ramseeta Mandir, Shibmandir in Shankharibazar, Tanti Bazar and Bangla Bazar.
According to the puja schedule, worship of Goddess Kali will begin at midnight tonight at different temples, to be followed by offering of anjali, 'hom-joggo' and distribution of mahaprasad among the devotees.
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Kali is a fierce manifestation of Goddess Durga, who emerged to fight the forces of evil. Legend has it that after a fierce battle with demonic forces, Kali became so consumed by her destructive rage that Lord Shiva had to lie beneath her feet to stop her.
Realising that she had stepped on her consort, she stuck out her tongue in astonishment and brought her rampage to an end.
The key message of Kali Puja is the triumph of good over evil and the destruction of negative forces both in the external world and within human beings.
The largest celebrations in the capital traditionally take place in Shakhari Bazar and Tanti Bazar in Old Dhaka as well as Savar, the outskirts of the capital as the festival is celebrated for three to four days in those areas.
A festive vibe filled the air at temples and makeshift mandaps across the country as pandals have been illuminated and decorated colourfully.
Divisional cities including Chattogram and district towns including Jashore see largest celebration of Kali Puja.
