(BSS) - Kali Puja or Shyama Puja, a religious festival of the Hindu community, was celebrated across the country today with due sacred fervor and enthusiasm.

The main features of the Puja were worshiping the goddess Kali, lighting earthen lamps and candles at temples and residences in addition to musical soiree.

Kali Puja is also called Deepabali or Diwali, the festival of lights.
Usually, Kali Puja, worshipping the Goddess of strength, wisdom and enlightenment, is celebrated at the night of Amavasya (new moon) of the Bengali calendar month Kartik.

In this evening, members of the Hindu community lit up earthen lamps (Pradeep), candles at their houses, temples and crematoriums in memory of their ancestors.

In the capital city, Kali Puja was celebrated at Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ramkrishna Math and Mission, Siddheshwari Kali Mondir, Ramna Kali Mandir, Sri Sri Baradeshwari Kalimata Temple, Radha Gobinda Jeo Temple, Postogola crematorium, Biharilal Jeo Temple at Sutrapur, Gautam Mandir, Ramseeta Mandir, Shibmandir at Shankharibazar, Tanti Bazar and Bangla Bazar.

Largest Kali Puja celebration took place in Shakhari Bazar and Tanti Bazar in the old part of the capital.

A festive mood was prevailing in the air of Shakhari Bazar and Tanti Bazar area as makeshift pandals were erected and temples were gorgeously decorated.