In the English Bazaar area of Malda in Bengal, Mahakali Puja has been celebrated for years. The English Bazaar Vyayam Samiti’s Kali Puja is unlike typical celebrations. It doesn’t take place on the night of the new moon (Amavasya), nor is it held at night. This puja is performed at noon on the Chaturdashi tithi (the 14th day of the lunar fortnight). Here the Goddess Kali has 10 heads, 10 hands and 10 legs.
Another interesting aspect of this puja is that, unlike most
depictions of Kali, Lord Shiva does not lie beneath her feet. Instead, two
demons (Asuras) are shown at her feet.
The story goes back to 1930, long before India gained
independence. A group of youth from Malda’s Puratul area, like other freedom
fighters of their time, wanted to contribute to the country’s fight for
freedom. To strengthen themselves both mentally and physically, they opened a
gymnasium, naming it English Bazaar Vyayam Samiti.
Inspired by the nationalistic spirit, they decided to start this Kali Puja as part of their mission for independence. As a symbol of British oppression, they placed figures of the British as demons (Asuras) at the feet of the Goddess.
Under British rule, any gathering, especially at night, was
strictly controlled, and the British would often persecute locals. Therefore,
instead of performing the puja at night, the youth chose to do it during the
day.
Since the British wouldn’t allow puja celebrations on Amavasya
night, the youth decided to hold it on the Chaturdashi.
Legend has it that this tradition began after seeing a Mahakali
idol carved on a hill in Bihar’s Binduvasini. Later, they learned that this
idol is mentioned in the Sri Sri Chandi scriptures, part of the ancient Hindu
texts.
While this puja was initially celebrated in Puratul and a few other locations, since 1985, it has been regularly celebrated in the city’s Gangabagh area.