Jamshedpur : The festival of lights, Diwali, also marks the beginning for worship of deity, Goddess Kali. Festivities and enthusiasm for Kali Puja in the city is the same as seen for Diwali. Performing the Puja with faith devotees seek
protection against drought and war and blessings of general happiness, health and prosperity.
However, due to pandemic Covid-19, the festival remained a low key affair. Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda cancelled his annual Kali puja and Bhog distribution event due to spread of coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the celebration remained indoors. Houses were decorated and elaborate Rangoli pattern were drawn in front of houses and courtyard. Elaborate Kali Puja is carried out during the evening at the pandals. As Goddess Kali is regarded as the Goddess to be feared members of Bengali community leave no stone unturned in carrying out a special puja for her. Through Puja people seek happiness, prosperity and protection against hardships.
According to Hindu mythology Goddess Kali is the first of the ten incarnations of Goddess Durga. Depicted with a fierce face and terrifying look Goddess Kali is regarded as the more aggressive form
of Goddess Durga. The image of Kali usually shows her foot on Lord Shiva’s chest, a severed head in one hand, her sword in the other and wearing a garland of skulls. Kali is worshiped as the Mother Goddess who is known to destroy all evil and is a fierce fighter for the cause of justice.
In Jamshedpur a number of Kali Puja pandals were constructed for the occasion. On Saturday the pandals were inaugurated amidst enthusiasm.
” Kali puja is also an important occasion for us and every year we look forward to celebrating it traditionally. A massive pandal has been constructed for the occasion. The festival is usually celebrated
during Diwali,” Tapas Sen, senior functionary of Five Star Kali Puja Committee in Parsudih.
He said that though the pomp and show during Durga Puja is much higher but the devotion and festivities for Kali Puja are nonetheless.
Meanwhile a number of Kali puja pandals have been constructed at Sonari, Burmamines and Pursudih.