Kali Puja 2011- India & Worldwide

Michigan: Washington Bangla Radio: Bidisha Bagchi

New York Kali Temple: Photo Courtesy: Dulal Pal, NY

According to Ramkrishna Paramhansa Deb, darkness is the Ultimate Mother, or Kali:

My Mother is the principle of consciousness. She is Akhanda Satchidananda; indivisible Reality, Awareness, and Bliss. The night sky between the stars is perfectly black. The waters of the ocean depths are the same; The infinite is always mysteriously dark. This inebriating darkness is my beloved Kali.

Kali is associated with eternal energy, she is the one who destroys only to re build the universe. It is once again time for Kali Puja, the festival of lights and the destruction of the evil. Kali Puja is often termed as Shyama Puja and when the rest of India worships Ganesh and Lakshmi on the the amavas night, we, the Bengalis worship goddess Kali. Unlike Durga Puja, Kali Puja is held just for one day but the puja is performed only at night. If one can stay awake and watch the rituals, it’s something amazing. This feature has some well known Kali Pujas from India and around the World.

A big thank you to everyone who have generously contributed photos and write ups for this exclusive feature.

New York Kali Temple:

(Photo courtesy: Dulal pal, NY)

Vedanta Society of Portland, Oregon, USA

Ramkrishna Deb, Ma Kali and Ma Sarada

Puja

Hom

(offerings)

(Bhog & Dinner)

Swami Paritushtananda, Assistant Minister of the Vedanta Society of New York, performed Kali Puja with Hom. The puja was held with an introduction, worship, devotional songs, Hom fire ceremony, flower offerings and potluck dinner.

(Photo & text courtesy: Vedanta, Portland & Doug Olmstead)

Wales Kali Puja (Wales, UK)

Kali Puja in Wales, UK was celebrated on Wednesday 26th Oct. 2011 in the evening. We had around 75 people and cooking of Bhog and Food was done on the premises. We had a small fireworks with Sparkles for Children.

(Photo & Text Courtesy: Dr Sandip Raha, Events Officer, Wales Puja committee, UK)

Vedanta Society of Japan

(Photo Courtesy: Vedanta Society of Japan)

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Ramkrishna Mission, Dhaka

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(Photo Courtesy: Ramkrishna Mission Dhaka)

Dhaka: Bangladesh

North Bengal Medical College, Siliguri, India:

Shivaji Park, Mumbai

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(Photo Courtesy: Ms.Parameshwari Sircar)

Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal

(Photo Courtesy: Ms.Kalyani Samaddar)

Bagmari Vivekananda Sporting Club, Calcutta:

Phata Kesto Kali Puja, Armharst Street,Calcutta

(Photo Courtesy: Ms.Keya Sen & Ms.Asmita Mukherjee)

Madhya Howrah Janakalyan Samity, Howrah, West Bengal

(Photo Courtesy: Subrata Choudhury, Secretary, Madhya Howrah Janakalyan Samity & Ms.Asmita Mukherjee)

North America Sarbojanin Kalipuja Association (NASKA), Connecticut.

(Protima)

(Puja Fair)

(Musical Evening by Abhijit Ghoshal)

North America Sarbojanin Kalipuja Association (NASKA) celebrated the second year of Kalipuja

at Newington High School, 605 Willard Ave, Newington, Connecticut on October 29, 2011. Like last year, the indomitable spirit of the people that participated in the event turned the occasion into one of the biggest Puja celebrations in North America.

The association’s Puja was performed by the renowned Goddess Kali priest, Shri Shankar Parial of Bangladesh Hindu Mandir (BHM). His chanting of the Holy scriptures completely mesmerized the worshippers leading to an atmosphere of heavenly intensity filled with divine aroma and creating an unforgettable experience.

After the sumptuous dinner that followed the Puja, the guests were enticed by the golden voice of the sensational Bollywood singer, Abhijit Ghoshal. The event was glorified by a Puja fair where guests had the unique opportunity to perceive Indian music, film, books, dresses and other attractive items.

Hundreds of devotees from all over Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Rodhe Island and New Hampshire attended the Puja despite the severe snow storm. The primary objective was to come together with a shared passion for devotion and inclusivity in cultural excellence.

The guests were very appreciative of the warm welcome received from the board and the organization's attention to every minute detail. Seniors, who have been attending Puja Celebration in North America for the last 3 to 4 decades, were gratified to observe that a young cohesive team made this Kali Puja one of the largest Pujas in North America within a year's time.

The full social program that included Puja ceremony, gala dinner and musical performance made the evening’s experience memorable for everyone. The success of the event was largely attributed to the commitment of the NASKA sponsors, volunteers and everyone who worked together in a magnificent teamwork.

As NASKA embarks on a renewed mission and vision to share the culture and pride, everyone across the country is welcome to attend their third Kalipuja celebration in Connecticut during the month of November 2012. Exact date and location to be publicized during the first half of 2012.

(Photo & text courtesy: NASKA)

New Jersey Puja Association (NJPA), New Jersey

(Protima)

(Cultural Programme)

NJPA – the New Jersey Puja Association was formed in 1969 and is one of the oldest Bengali associations in New Jersey. We are the only ones hosting a “barowari” Kali Puja in this area – no other non-religious association does this Puja here. We strive to celebrate all our events in a way that appeals to the young and the old alike – all towards the goal of keeping the Bengali culture alive in the Tristate Area.

(Photo and text courtesy: NJPA & Prasenjit Baisya

SRISHTI: Charlotte, North Carolina:

(Protima)

(Puja)

Vibrant, energetic, enthusiastic, a sense of community are all words that describe “Srishti”. The word Srishti literally means an act of creation and true to this description it emerged to fulfill the community’s need for togetherness and the desire to showcase Bengali arts and culture.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina Srishti was formed in Spring of 2004. Although in its nascent stage, there are over 80 member families who participate in the activities. Members include not only Bengalis – originating from the state of West Bengal in India but also Indians from other parts of the country. Srishti has welcomed individuals who have expressed an interest in Bengali literature, theatre, music, cinema and popular arts.

As in every year, this year also Kali Pujo was celebrated with great pomp and splendor on October 22, 2011 at Sanctuary Lodge on Lake Wylie. The puja was carried out as per procedures stated in Devi Purana. Puja was followed by a cultural program presented by the members of the Srishti family and concluded by a sumptuous dinner.

Yet another successful event that knit the Srishti members a little bit more tighter.

(Photo & text courtesy: Srishti & Saswati Collam)

Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago, Ramakrishna Math

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