Bonedi baris preserve tradition & faith on Kali Pujo

Many people believe Kolkata derived its name from the Sanskrit word Kalikshetra, that literally translates to ‘the place of Adyashakti Kali’. As people gear up for Diwali, the centuries old Kolkata mansions wait for Kali Pujo. While some worship the deity the way she was first made hundreds of years back, some see her similar to Krishna. On this occasion, we bring to you stories from a few of these bonedi baris and their pujas.

Champatala Banerjee Bari, College Street
How old is it?: Restarted in 2007 (Original year not known)
Description of the deity: Kali is worshipped here as Sri Sri Maa Kali Krishna Jiu, and is seen with six hands instead of four. The idol holds a flute, just like Krishna, and stands on Shiva, who is seen lying on a lotus

On Kali Puja, all deities except Madhab, are brought to the Thakur dalan and Radha is placed beside the idol of Kali– Indradeep Narayan Banerjee


Marble Palace, Muktaram Babu Street
How old is it?: Approximately 200 years old
Description of the deity: The deity is made by generational artisans from Kumartuli inside the mansion’s Jagannath temple. They make it on the same idol framework every year. The deity is then adorned in sholar shaaj and carried to the courtyard, where the puja happens


We also perform Lakshmi Puja on the day of Kali Puja. Hence, the idol is carried to our khajna ghor from the temple, and worshipped alongside Kali
– Brotindro Mullick, Marble Palace

Nandalal Mullick Bari, Jorabagan

How old is it?: 140 years
Description of the deity: The idol is a Dakshina Kali and is deep navy blue in colour. The family members call it Nil Bhori. The idol is brought from Kumartuli. However, the final touch up is done at Mullick Bari itself


We observe a unique ritual, where all family members come together in a circle to burn jute sticks to ward off evil – Snehashis Mullick

Dorjipara Mitra Bari, Manicktala

How old is it?: 232 years
Description of the deity: Originally made in a playful manner by their ancestor Ramkrishna Mitra, the Kali idol is small and can be seen putting her left foot forward, instead of the right one. However, she’s worshipped as per Dakshina Kali rituals and is black in colour



Our family was in extreme financial distress when our ancestor created this idol, but his mother decided to start the Puja at our place, considering it to be a divine sign – Anasuya Mitra Biswas