Kali Puja in Kolkata falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, on the Kartika Amavasya (new moon) night, the same night most of India celebrates Diwali. In Bengal the night belongs to Goddess Kali. Homes, neighbourhood clubs and temples hold worship late into the night, and the main ritual, known as the nishita puja, takes place around midnight. The exact midnight timing depends on the tithi, so check a current panchang closer to the date, as the final timings had not been published when this guide was written. For visitors, the two big anchors are the Kalighat Kali Temple in the south and the Dakshineswar Kali Temple on the northern bank of the Hooghly. Both draw heavy crowds, so go early in the evening or on the following day if darshan is your priority. This Kali Puja Kolkata guide covers the date, where to go, how to travel and what to expect.
Kali Puja Kolkata 2026: date and what the night looks like
Kali Puja is observed on the new moon night of the Bengali month of Kartik, which in 2026 lands on Sunday, 8 November. Unlike Durga Puja, which runs for several days, Kali Puja is largely a one-night festival. Idols are installed in the evening, worship builds towards midnight, and immersion usually follows in the next day or two. You can read more about the festival’s background on Wikipedia’s Kali Puja page.
Expect lit lanes, loudspeaker devotional music, offerings of hibiscus flowers and a lively late-night atmosphere in many neighbourhoods. Many families also light rows of diyas at home, which gives residential areas a quieter, warmer glow than the pandal districts.
Best places to see Kali Puja in Kolkata
Kalighat Kali Temple
Kalighat is among the oldest and most revered Kali shrines in the city and sees long queues on the festival night. Allow generous time, carry only what you need and follow the instructions of temple staff and police. Our Kalighat Temple visitor guide covers how to reach the temple and what to expect inside.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Dakshineswar sits on the eastern bank of the Hooghly in the north of the city and is the other great Kali shrine for pilgrims. Crowds and security are heavy on the night itself. If you want a calmer visit, consider going on a weekday afterwards. See our Dakshineswar and Belur Math guide for travel options and timings to check.
Neighbourhood club pujas and Kumartuli
Beyond the big temples, hundreds of local clubs install Kali idols in their own lanes, often with themed decoration. These are best discovered on foot within one area rather than by crossing the city. The artisans of north Kolkata’s potters’ quarter prepare many of the idols beforehand, and our Kumartuli visitor guide explains what you can see there in the run-up to the festival.
How to plan your visit
Pick one temple or one neighbourhood for the night rather than trying to cover the city. Traffic around temple areas is heavier than usual, and some roads may be diverted or restricted by the police, so build in extra time. For official advisories, check the Kolkata Police website.
Dress modestly, wear comfortable footwear you can remove easily, and keep valuables to a minimum in crowded queues. Ask before photographing worshippers or inside temple premises.
Getting around on Kali Puja night
The metro is usually the fastest way to cross the city, but festival-night schedules can differ from normal ones, so confirm the day’s timetable with Metro Railway before you go. Our guide to first and last metro timings shows the regular schedule. For the return journey after midnight, read late night transport in Kolkata and agree on a plan with your group in advance, because auto and cab availability falls and fares can rise late at night.
Firecrackers and noise rules
Recent years have seen restrictions in West Bengal that allow only green firecrackers within a short evening window. Rules are issued each year, so check the current order before you plan around fireworks. If you have children, elderly relatives or pets, choose a spot a little away from the busiest lanes.
Frequently asked questions
When is Kali Puja in Kolkata in 2026?
Kali Puja is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The main midnight worship may run past midnight into 9 November, depending on the tithi timing, so check a current panchang.
Is Kali Puja the same as Diwali in Kolkata?
They fall on the same new moon night, but in Bengal the focus is on worshipping Goddess Kali, while many other regions celebrate Lakshmi Puja. Lamps and lights are common to both.
Which temples should I visit for Kali Puja?
Kalighat Kali Temple and Dakshineswar Kali Temple are the two best known. Visit them at different times of day rather than trying to do both in one tight window.
Is it safe to go out late on Kali Puja night?
Crowded areas are policed heavily, but you should still travel in a group, keep your phone charged and decide your return transport before you leave.
How long does Kali Puja last?
The main worship is a single night, with immersion of larger community idols typically following over the next day or two.
