Kali Chaudas 2026

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Puja?

• Devotees of Maa Kali: Devotees worship Goddess Kali on this night to seek her protection from fear, evil influences, and negative energy (Raksha).
• Families and Householders: Families observe the day to remove obstacles and bring peace and prosperity to the home before Diwali.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: A bath before sunrise, in Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn period), and cleaning of the home.
• Evening Lamps: Lamps are lit at dusk, during Pradosh Kaal (the period after sunset).
• Nishita Kaal Puja: The main puja of Maa Kali is done at night, in Nishita Kaal (around midnight). Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Closing the Day: Prasad is shared after the puja is complete.

About the Festival

Kali Chaudas is a much-loved observance, kept widely in Gujarat and across India, on which Goddess Kali is worshipped to ward off negativity. It takes place on the Chaturdashi (fourteenth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (Story of Maa Kali and Raktabija)

Once upon a time, a fearsome demon named Raktabija troubled the gods and the people of the world. Every drop of his blood that fell to the ground gave birth to another demon like him, so none could defeat him.

Troubled by this danger, the gods turned to the Divine Mother for help. From Goddess Durga arose the fierce Kali, with a dark form and a blazing tongue. In battle, she drank every drop of Raktabija's blood before it could touch the ground, and she then slew the demon.

In her fury, Kali's rage did not subside, and the world trembled. The gods prayed to Lord Shiva, who lay down on her path, and when Kali stepped on him, she realized her mistake and her fury calmed. Since that day, devotees have worshipped Maa Kali on this night for protection from fear and evil.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the night puja:

• Image / Idol: Picture or idol of Maa Kali, or Maa Mahakali
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A clay Diya with mustard oil, and incense sticks
• Sacred Water Container: A small vessel filled with fresh water
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Urad dal vada, sweets, and fruits
• Devotional Accessories: Red flowers (such as hibiscus), black sesame (Til), and Kalava

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably red or dark colours).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Divine Mother Kali, today I worship you with a pure heart. Protect me and my family from fear and negative energy."
3. Clean the house, and keep the day simple, with a light fast if your family follows one.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the puja space and place a wooden stool (Chowki) covered with a clean red or black cloth.
2. Place the image or idol of Maa Kali on the Chowki.
3. Place a small vessel of water in front of the image.

Step 3: Performing the Night Rituals (Nishita Kaal)

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Diya with mustard oil and incense in front of Maa Kali.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat to the image.
3. Offering Flowers & Til: Offer red flowers and black sesame seeds.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place Urad dal vada, sweets, and fruits before the deity.

Step 4: Chanting and Prayers

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite or listen to the Kali Katha with deep focus and devotion.
3. Chant "Om Kalikayai Namah" or the Kali Chalisa with pure devotion.

Step 5: Aarti and Prayers

1. Perform the Maa Kali Aarti using the lit lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. Pray to Maa Kali for protection from fear, evil influences, and negativity.
3. Many Gujarati families also light a lamp at the door and offer Vada at a crossroads to ward off negative influences (practice differs by family).

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among your family members.
3. Close the day with a simple sattvic meal.