Kali Puja (Dipannita)

What is worn for Kali Puja (Dipannita)

In Bengal and Odisha the new moon night of Diwali belongs to the goddess Kali, rather than to Lakshmi as in much of India. Worship goes on late into the night, with lamps in rows, hibiscus garlands, which are the flower of Kali, and often fireworks. There is no fixed dress, but families usually wear new festive clothes. Women choose a good silk or cotton saree, and red, deep blue or black with a bright border are common choices because of the goddess. The saree is often one bought for the autumn season, so the Puja wardrobe of Durga Puja is worn again. The date is the same as Diwali and the puja starts after dark.

The sarees

Tant sariA crisp cotton for the long evening of rites.Banarasi sariA silk brocade chosen for family gatherings.