EAST

What is Diwali or the Festival of Lights in other parts of the country comes in a different avatar in the eastern part of India – Kali puja. The Puja (form of worship) is dedicated to the worship of female deity Kali.

The ritual did not quite exist before 18th century when the puja was introduced in Bengal by Lord Krishna Chandra of Navadwip. On Puja day, many devotees honour the deity by decorating their homes and equipping them with small shrines for her, offering red hibiscus flowers and various food offerings.

The temples and shrines display one of the most prevalent images of Kali.

The Diwali celebrations then take over with fanfare. The community pujas, along with their lights and décor, light up the City of Joy – while each household is decked up with diyas or small row of lights in a symbolic gesture to ward off darkness or evil.

The crackers come out in all shapes and sizes – from the innocuous sparklers to the often heartstopping bombs. They are a part of the festivities, but can also become a torture by jolting you awake in the night.