When entire India celebrates Diwali, the state of West Bengal observes Kali Puja. Goddess Kali is worshiped, feared and revered across the state and the festival generally takes place a day ahead of Diwali.

Bamakali is a form of Goddess Kali, worshipped in Shantipur, Nadia district of West Bengal which is famous for dancing with her devotees before immersion. During the procession of this puja, the goddess Kali’s idol dances on the shoulders of her devotees, and many people come from far and wide to witness this spectacle. Unlike the usual form of Kali, the goddess in the form of Bama Kali is seen with her left foot placed on Shiva, which is consistent with Tantric principles.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The CSR Journal (@thecsrjournal)

Why is Bama Kali dance of Shantipur famous?

During the immersion or immersion of Bama Kali, a divine dance is seen in which Goddess Kali’s idol also dances with the devotees, which is a unique tradition of West Bengal, which has been going on since 500 years. The depiction of the goddess in this form is consistent with Tantric principles, where she places her left foot on Shiva, highlighting her deep symbolism.

Countless people from different parts of the state and the country flock to see the divine spectacle of this Bama Kali dance during her immersion procession in West Bengal’s Shantipur. Devotees walking in the procession carry burning torches which show lighten up the mother’s beautiful form, which creates a special attraction! The light of that torch provides light on the path of the immersion.

Even though Goddess Kali is a very fierce form of Matri Shakti, she is worshipped with love across Bengal. In Shantipur, she is worshipped in the form of Bamakali. Every year, thousands of devotees gather to watch the Bama Kali dance.

How and when does the Bama Kali dance take place?

After completion of Kali puja, the idol is brought out of the pandal. Preparations are made for immersion. Then, a dance is arranged on the way to the river ghat. During the procession to the river, a bunch of devotees carry the idol on a bamboo platform on their shoulders. Countless devotees follow them. The devotees dance while holding the idol placed on the bamboo platform on their shoulders. As a result, Maa Kali’s idol also dances. This scene, captured from a distance, is unprecedented. Every year, a huge number of people gather in Shantipur just to see this scene!

This dance is held the day after the Bamakali Puja in Shantipur. The immersion ceremony begins as soon as the Puja is over. In several other places, Kali Puja lasts for 4-5 days. But the tradition of Shantipur is to immerse the idol on the day after Kali Puja. Therefore, even today, the immersion of the goddess is followed by that tradition. And before the immersion, the amazing spectacle can be witnessed!

The excitement surrounding the Bamakali dance is so high and due to massive crowd, there is a risk of being trampled. However, arrangements are made by the district administration to avoid such unpleasant situations.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share