Kali Puja Festival

Assam
Location

Assam, the land of colourful culture has no dearth of festivals to showcase its unity in diversity. Kali puja is a Hindu festival. But it does not confine to the people of a particular faith. People belonging to other faiths also join the autumnal event where devotees offer puja to the goddess which is mandatory for the Durga devotees. This event is performed in a big way in Assam along with other parts of the country simultaneously with Diwali in mid-October and mid-November.

Devotees in large number worship the goddess seeking divine blessings seeking protection from drought and war, for general happiness, health, wealth, and peace.
The Hindi goddess is worshiped following the Tankrik rites and rituals where animal is sacrificed. The best place to visit in this event is the Kamakhya temple where the devotees throng the shrine of strength. Cultural functions are lined up to mark the occasion apart from drawing and quiz contest.

Earthen lamps, bursting of firecrackers turns the entire state into a dreamscape in the evening. Doors and gates of every household are decorated with colourful lights. According to what the people believe, Kali puja was not known till the 18th century. But it is a household name in Assam where the people of all walks of life observe with traditional religious fervour.