Bali or, animal sacrifice, although not encouraged nowadays, is an important part of Goddess Kali worship. Animal sacrifice is practiced at Kolkata Kalighat temple. The main animal sacrificed is goat.
The animals are sacrificed at Harkath Tala. This is the spot adjacent to the Natmandir, southwards meant for Bali (sacrifice). There are two sacrificial altars for animal sacrifices side by side. These are known as Hari-Kath.
Goat sacrifice is ritually performed at the temple every day with several being offered on festival days. Sacrifice is required to be made with a single swift stroke of the blade.
Those devotees who do not prefer to perform animal sacrifice break coconuts, pumpkins or sugarcanes.