Sri Shayama Puja in Bangladesh

Sri Shayama Puja, also known as Kali Puja, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in Bangladesh and the West Bengal region of India. It is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali, the fierce form of the mother goddess who symbolizes power and destruction of evil. The festival typically coincides with Diwali, the Festival of Lights, occurring on the new moon day of the Bengali month Kartik, which falls around October or November.

History and Traditions

• Historical Roots: The tradition of Kali Puja is not as ancient as other Hindu festivals and is believed to have been popularized by King Krishnachandra of Navadvipa in West Bengal during the 18th century.
• Iconography: Goddess Kali is depicted with a dark complexion, three eyes, a protruding tongue, and four arms holding weapons and a severed head, symbolizing the destruction of evil.
• Idol Worship: Devotees install clay idols of Goddess Kali in temples and pandals (temporary shrines) for worship.

Practices on Sri Shayama Puja

• Puja Rituals: The main ritual involves Tantric rites that are usually conducted at midnight. Priests perform puja by chanting mantras and offering flowers, sweets, rice, lentils, fish, meat, and sacrifice to appease the goddess.
• Lighting Lamps: Similar to Diwali traditions elsewhere in India, people light earthen lamps (diyas) around their homes to ward off darkness and signify enlightenment.
• Fireworks Display: Fireworks are set off as part of the celebrations, contributing to a festive atmosphere.
• Community Feasts: Communities gather for feasts that include traditional Bengali dishes. Food offerings made to Goddess Kali during puja rituals are later distributed among devotees.
• Charity Work: People engage in charity work by distributing food and clothes among the poor.

Sri Shayama Puja is an integral part of Bangladeshi Hindu culture that brings together religious reverence with festive joy. Through rituals that emphasize both veneration and celebration, this day reinforces community bonds while honoring one of Hinduism's most powerful deities.