Across much of India, Diwali is closely associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of prosperity and good fortune. But in Bengal, the same night takes on a different spiritual meaning. As lamps glow and homes fill with festive energy, devotees gather to worship Maa Kali, the fierce yet protective form of the Divine Mother. Why does Bengal follow this distinctive tradition? The answer lies in the region’s deep Shakta heritage, the significance of the new moon night and a history that helped shape one of Bengal’s most recognisable Diwali customs.
