Why Does Bengal Worship Kali on Diwali While Some Communities Pray to Hanuman on Kali Chaudas?

In parts of western India, particularly Gujarat, Kali Chaudas is associated with prayers to Goddess Kali and, in some traditions, Lord Hanuman. In eastern India, especially West Bengal, Kali Puja is a major observance on the new moon night of Diwali. These customs share themes of devotion and protection, but they are not identical festivals or rituals.

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Why Is Hanuman Worship Linked to Kali Chaudas?

Lord Hanuman is widely revered as a symbol of courage, strength, devotion and protection. In traditions that include Hanuman Puja during Kali Chaudas, devotees seek his blessings to overcome fear, obstacles and negative influences.


The association is particularly noted in parts of western India. Some communities also observe Hanuman-related worship around this period according to their own religious calendars. The practice should not be understood as a uniform custom across all of North India; regional and family traditions differ.

For devotees, Hanuman’s significance is closely connected with his unwavering service to Lord Rama. His worship during the Diwali period is a reminder of courage guided by devotion and selfless action.

Why Does East India Worship Goddess Kali During Diwali?

In eastern India, particularly West Bengal, Kali Puja is one of the major religious observances of the Diwali night. Devotees worship Goddess Kali, whose fierce form is understood in Hindu tradition as a force that destroys evil and protects devotees.

Kali Puja is generally performed on Kartik Amavasya, the new moon night associated with Diwali. The celebration includes temple and community worship, devotional offerings and prayers to the Goddess.

One of the well-known stories associated with Goddess Kali is her battle with the demon Raktabija. According to the traditional account, every drop of his blood that touched the ground produced another demon. Kali defeated him by preventing his blood from falling to the earth. The story is often understood as a representation of the Goddess’s power to overcome destructive forces.

The worship of Kali during Diwali is therefore not simply another name for Kali Chaudas. It is a distinct observance associated with the Amavasya night.

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Kali Chaudas and Kali Puja: Are They the Same?

The names can be confusing because both are associated with Goddess Kali and the Diwali period. However, they refer to different observances and calendar moments.

Observance	When it is associated	Regional significance
Kali Chaudas	Krishna Chaturdashi, the 14th lunar day of the dark fortnight	Particularly significant in Gujarat and parts of western India; associated with Kali worship and, in some traditions, Hanuman Puja
Kali Puja	Kartik Amavasya, the new moon night of Diwali	A major observance in West Bengal and parts of eastern India, dedicated to Goddess Kali
Bhoot Chaturdashi	The night before Kali Puja in Bengal	Associated with regional customs such as lighting fourteen lamps and preparing fourteen varieties of leafy greens

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Why Do Regional Diwali Traditions Differ?

Diwali is celebrated across India, but its rituals are shaped by local religious traditions, legends and calendars. The same period can carry different names and meanings in different parts of the country.

In many North Indian households, the day before Diwali is known as Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi, with customs such as the pre-dawn oil bath and preparations for the main festival. In Gujarat, Kali Chaudas has a stronger association with night-time worship and protective traditions. In Bengal, Bhoot Chaturdashi precedes the major Kali Puja observance on Amavasya.

The difference is not simply about one region worshipping Hanuman and another worshipping Kali. It reflects the variety of ways communities observe the Diwali period, with different deities, stories and rituals taking centre stage.

How Is Hanuman Puja Observed on Kali Chaudas?

The precise ritual depends on the family or regional tradition. Where Hanuman Puja is observed, devotees may:

• Clean the prayer area and prepare a simple puja arrangement.
• Light a diya and offer flowers or traditional prasad.
• Recite the Hanuman Chalisa or other prayers dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
• Pray for courage, strength, well-being and protection.
• Follow the timing and ritual practices recommended by their local temple or family tradition.

There is no single nationwide Hanuman Puja vidhi for Kali Chaudas. Devotees should follow the customs practised in their own community rather than assuming that every ritual is observed uniformly.

What Is the Significance of Worshipping Hanuman and Kali During Diwali?

Although the rituals differ, both forms of worship carry themes of protection and overcoming difficulties.

Hanuman is revered for his strength, courage and devotion to Lord Rama. Goddess Kali is worshipped as a powerful form of the Divine Mother who destroys evil and protects her devotees.

For devotees, these traditions offer different ways to seek divine blessings during the Diwali period. Their regional distinctions are part of the festival’s cultural richness, not a contradiction between communities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Hanuman worship performed on Kali Chaudas?
   Yes, Hanuman worship is observed on Kali Chaudas in some regional traditions, particularly in parts of western India. Practices differ by community and household.
2. Why is Kali Puja celebrated in West Bengal on Diwali?
   Kali Puja is observed on Kartik Amavasya, the new moon night of Diwali. Devotees worship Goddess Kali and seek her blessings for protection and the destruction of evil.
3. Is Kali Chaudas the same as Kali Puja?
   No. Kali Chaudas is associated with Krishna Chaturdashi, while Kali Puja is generally observed on Kartik Amavasya. They are distinct observances, though both are connected with the Diwali period.
4. Do all North Indian households worship Hanuman on Kali Chaudas?
   No. Regional and family customs vary. Many North Indian households observe Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi through other rituals, while Hanuman worship on this occasion is followed in certain traditions.
5. When is Kali Chaudas in 2026?
   Kali Chaudas will be observed on November 7, 2026, with the midnight worship period extending into November 8. Local Panchang timings may vary.