The Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Society celebrates all major Hindu festivals with traditional Bengali fervour and devotion. The temple's festival calendar is rich and vibrant, drawing thousands of devotees and visitors throughout the year.
Durga Puja — The Grand Celebration
The Durga Puja at Chittaranjan Park is undoubtedly the grandest and most anticipated festival of the year. The tradition began in 1977 and has grown into one of the most spectacular Durga Puja celebrations in all of Delhi-NCR.
The five-day festival (Shashthi to Dashami) features elaborate pandal decorations, traditional dhak drummers, magnificent Durga idols crafted by artisans, cultural programmes, Sandhi Puja at midnight, Sindoor Khela, and the emotional Bisarjan (immersion) procession. Thousands of devotees and visitors from across the city throng CR Park during these days, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Kolkata's legendary pujas.
The cultural programme during Durga Puja includes performances by renowned artists, competitions, food stalls, and community gatherings that make it a truly spectacular affair.
When: September/October (Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month)
Kalika Puja (Kali Puja)
As the temple's presiding deity is Goddess Kali, Kali Puja holds extraordinary significance here. Celebrated on the Amavasya (new moon) night of Kartik month, the temple comes alive with midnight rituals, elaborate decorations, and deep devotional fervour. Special pujas and havan ceremonies are performed throughout the night.
When: October/November (Kartik Amavasya, coincides with Diwali)
Saraswati Puja
Saraswati Puja celebrates the goddess of knowledge, music, arts, and learning. Students and scholars gather at the temple to seek blessings for academic success. The day features special pujas, cultural performances, and the tradition of placing books and instruments at the feet of the goddess.
When: January/February (Vasant Panchami)
Maha Shivratri
The temple's shrine to Lord Shiva makes Maha Shivratri a deeply significant occasion. Devotees observe fasting and night-long vigil with special abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the Shiva Lingam, offering of bilva leaves, and continuous chanting of mantras.
When: February/March (Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi)
Other Major Festivals
Basanti Puja
Spring festival celebrating Goddess Durga in her Basanti form. Held during Chaitra Navratri.
Annapurna Puja
Worship of Goddess Annapurna, the deity of food and nourishment. A significant Bengali tradition.
Jagadhatri Puja
Celebrated shortly after Kali Puja, this festival is particularly dear to the Bengali community.
Ram Navami
Birth anniversary of Lord Rama, celebrated with special pujas and bhajan sessions.
Janmashtami
The birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with midnight pujas, devotional singing, and festive decorations.
Rath Yatra
The chariot festival features a colourful procession through Chittaranjan Park with devotional chanting.
Lakshmi Puja
Worship of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and well-being, held on the full moon of Kartik month.
Holi Milan
The festival of colours is celebrated as a community event with music, dance, and fellowship.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the remover of obstacles with special pujas and offerings.
Bipattarini Puja
A traditional Bengali festival where devotees pray for protection from calamities.
Neel Shasthi
A traditional Bengali observance dedicated to the well-being of children.
Poush Mela
A winter fair with cultural activities, food stalls, and community celebrations held in January.
Cultural Events
Beyond religious festivals, the temple organises a rich calendar of cultural events throughout the year:
- Naba Barsha — Bengali New Year celebrations
- Rabindra Jayanti — Birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore
- Barsha Mangal — Welcome of the monsoon season
- Gunijan Sambardhana — Annual felicitation of eminent Bengali personalities
- Independence Day & Republic Day celebrations
- Children's Day programmes in January
- Annual Sports in January
- Annual Life Members Get Together in February
- Cultural competitions for community members
- Classical dance & music performances by renowned artists