Kali Puja 2020: Date, Time Of Shyama Puja; How To Make Bengali-Style Khichdi For Bhog

Diwali is almost here and we can't help but get excited. While people in several parts of India are gearing up to celebrate the festival of lights, the Eastern India (especially West Bengal) is all set to mark Kali Puja on the same day. A major celebration in Bengal, Bihar, Orisssa, Assam, this puja is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Legend has it, the festival was introduced in the 18th century by Raja Krishnachandra of West Bengal (Kirshnanagar). Every year Kali Puja, also called Shyama Puja, falls on the day of Diwali or at times a day before (on Chhoti Diwali)- it depends on the tithi of Amavasya (lunar phase of New moon).

Kali Puja 2020: Date And Time:

This year, Kali Puja coincides with Diwali on 14th November 2020 (Saturday).

Kali Puja Nishita Time: 11:38 pm to 12:32 am

Amavasya Tithi Begins: 02:17 pm, November 14, 2020

Amavasya Tithi Ends: 10:36 am, November 15, 2020

(Source: drikpanchang.com)

Kali Puja 2020: How To Make Bengali-Style Khichdi For Bhog:

During this time, Bengal is decorated with huge pandals, idols of Goddess Kali, lights and diyas. On the Kali Puja day, devotees fast throughout the day worship the deity of Goddess Kali at the Nishita Time of Amavasya, with different types of offerings. The offerings generally include fruits, sweets, bhog, clothes for the Goddess, hibiscus flower and more. As per ritual, rice and lentil play indispensable part of the bhog. Hence, you will find khichuri (khichdi) to be a constant on every bhog thali. Let's find out how to make this bhoger khichuri (khichdi), Bengali-style!

Here's The Recipe Of Bengali Bengali-Style Khichdi:

Ingredients:

Gobindobhog rice - 1 cup

Yellow moong dal- 1cup, dry roasted

Potatoes- 2-3, cut into two halves

Cauliflower- 1 cup, roughly chopped

Green peas- 1 cup

Green chillies- 4, slited

Ginger paste- 1-2 teaspoon

Whole garam masala (cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, cardamom)

Garam masala powder- 1 teaspoon

Cumin powder- 1 teaspoon

Turmeric powder- 1 teaspoon

Salt and sugar- as per taste

Ghee- 1-2 tablespoon

Mustard oil- as much needed

Method:

Step 1. Soak the dry roasted dal and rice in some water.

Step 2. Add mustard oil in a kadhai and add whole garam masla to it. Let it temper.

Step 3. Add ginger paste, powdered masalas and green chilles and cook till the raw smell goes.

Step 4. Add the soaked dal and rice and mix everything well together with salt and sugar.

Step 5. Add the vegetables and cook for two-three minutes.

Step 6. Add sufficient amount of water and let it boil.

Step 7. When khichdi is well cooked, add ghee from the top and mix. Switch off the flame and close the lid.

Note: As per ritual, you do not taste the food while cooking or before it is offered to Goddess Kali.

Happy Kali Puja 2020, everyone!