Maa Kali Puja in India 2009

The renowned Kali Puja, co-incides with Diwali celebrations hence it is also known as Diwali Kali Puja. Diwali Kali Puja is celebrated with much gusto in the state of West Bengal. The major distinction is that the rest of India worships Goddess Laxmi on this auspicious day and in the eastern state; the Kali avatar of Goddess Durga is worshipped.The preparations of Diwali Kali Puja are akin to the ones seen in the rest of the country where the idol of the deity is worshipped with much reverence. Diwali Kali Puja is performed to diminish the ego and negative tendencies that may be a hindrance for spiritual progress and material prosperity. Diwali Kali Puja is performed during Karthik Amavasya in the month of October/November. It is performed to kill the evil that is there both inside and outside us. more details http://www.hindufestivals.org/kalipuja.html
In a battle between Gods and demons; Kali started vanquishing demons and in a fit of rage killed anyone that came in the way. In order to bring order to the situation, Lord Shiva placed himself beneath the Goddess and asked her to stop the savage act. Goddess Kali was so taken aback that she put her tongue out and that is how she is revered even to this day. This significant day is observed as Diwali Kali Puja and is performed at midnight on the Amavasya night. Diwali Kali Puja is known to rid mortals of sins and allow prosperity, mental calm and happiness to enter into lives of devotees. more details http://www.hindufestivals.org/kalipuja.html