Devotees in Bengal deeply revere Phalaharini Kali Puja, celebrating it on the Amavasya (new moon night) of the Jyeshtha month. They dedicate this puja to Goddess Kali, especially in her Phalaharini form, who removes karmic consequences. Worshipping her on this night allows devotees to shed the burdens of past actions and attain spiritual liberation.
Devotees dedicate Phalaharini Kali Puja to Goddess Kali in the Jyeshta month of the Bengali calendar, considering it a highly auspicious day. In 2025, they will observe the puja on May 26, coinciding with Amavasya in the Jaishto month. Some regions will perform the rituals on May 27 instead. The puja requires Amavasya tithi to be present at midnight for the ceremonies to take place.
The Significance of Phalaharini Kali Puja
Unlike the grand celebrations of Diwali Kali Puja, Phalaharini Kali Puja is more intimate and spiritually intense. The name Phalaharini means “the one who takes away the fruits of actions”, signifying her power to cleanse devotees of their karmic debts. This puja is especially important in Tantric traditions, where Kali is worshipped as the ultimate force of transformation.
One of the most profound aspects of this puja is its connection to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the great saint and mystic. He performed a special ritual on this night, offering his wife, Sarada Devi, to Goddess Kali, symbolising the divine union of the soul with the supreme consciousness.
Mantra:
|| Namaḥ kālī kālī mahākālī kālīkē pāpahāriṇī || dharm’mārtha mōkṣadē dēbī nārāẏaṇī namōhastutē || sarbamaṅgala maṅgalyē śibē sarbārtha sādhikē || śaraṇyē trambakēgauri nārāẏaṇī namōhastutē ||
|| নমঃ কালী কালী মহাকালী কালীকে পাপহারিণী || ধর্ম্মার্থ মোক্ষদে দেবী নারায়ণী নমোহস্তুতে || সর্বমঙ্গল মঙ্গল্যে শিবে সর্বার্থ সাধিকে || শরণ্যে ত্রম্বকেগৌরি নারায়ণী নমোহস্তুতে ||
Rituals and Observances
The puja usually performed late at night, following strict rituals that invoke the goddess’s fierce yet compassionate energy. Some of the key observances include:
- Kali Nam Sankirtan – Devotees chant the name of Kali with deep devotion.
- Anjali and Aarti – Flowers and lamps, offered to the goddess.
- Bhog (Food Offerings) – Traditional offerings include fruits like mangoes, jackfruit, and sugarcane, symbolising abundance and devotion.
- Tantric Worship – In some traditions, special Tantrik rituals are performed to seek Kali’s blessings for spiritual growth and protection.
The Spiritual Essence
Phalaharini Kali Puja is not just about rituals; it is a night of introspection and surrender. Devotees believe that by offering their prayers with sincerity, they can free themselves from negative karma and move closer to moksha (liberation). The goddess, in her fierce yet loving form, grants protection and guidance to those who seek her with a pure heart.
In today’s fast-paced world, this puja serves as a reminder that transformation is possible—not just externally, but within. It teaches us to let go of past burdens, embrace change, and walk the path of spiritual awakening.
