Delhi – New Delhi kalibari Temple

History and the story of New Delhi Kali Bari Temple

There is a unique and endearing feature common to all expatriate Bengali communities. Wherever they are in the world, no matter how far from home, they will form a group and find a way to build themselves a Kali Temple. Besides facilitating worship, the temples serve as a cultural center where Bengali and national festivals are celebrated, particularly Kali Puja, Durga Puja. Poila Baisakh etc. In the 1920s there was a sizeable Bengali population in Delhi. What they were missing the most was Durga and Kali Puja celebrations. A group of like minded Bengalis got together and built a small Kali Mandir and held the first Durga Puja celebrations in 1925. The location was on Baird Road. The Puja continued to be held there for some years. The group petitioned the government for land to build a temple, which was finally allotted in 1931. One acre of land on Mandir Road, near the Birla Lakshminarayan temple was given to them. By the end of 1931 a small temple had been constructed. An idol of Kali Mata resembling that of the Kolkata Kalighat temple was enshrined. It quickly became a focal point and cultural center for the Bengali community in Delhi.

Soon a Mandir committee was formed and Netaji Subhashchandra Bose was the first president. The temple building was inaugurated by Justice Sir Manmatha Nath Mukherji. Keeping in line with the Bengali love for books and literature one of the first facilities to come up was a library. Today the library has an enviable collection of books. In 1964 a Pagoda was built on the premises. Also within the temple complex is a smaller temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. A peepal tree in the compound is much revered by devotees. They tie a thread around the tree and pray for fulfillment of their wishes. The thread is untied when that wish is fulfilled. There is also a dharamshala for devotees from out of town.

Till date the traditions have remained unchanged since the inception of the temple. The same method of Durga Puja and rituals are followed. Ekchalar Thakur and Sholar Kaaj traditions are maintained. Regular programmes for recital and competitions in Rabindra Sangeet are organised at the temple. For the annual Durga Puja, skilled Pandal workers from Kolkata are brought. Kali Puja is a major festival for the people of Bengal. It comes after Durga Puja. It is celebrated with devotion and zeal. Devotees light lamps, and burst firecrackers to welcome Ma Kali. Houses are decorated and rangolis are drawn in front of houses. Kali puja is done late at night. People seek blessings from Maa Kali during this puja. New Delhi Kali Bari is not only a temple but a major center for Bengali culture in Delhi.

Importance of New Delhi Kali Bari Temple

The Kali Bari Temple in New Delhi is a home away from home for the Bengali community here. Durga Puja and Kali Puja are very dear to them. New Delhi Kali Bari is where they celebrate these festivals and connect with their roots. This is where they recharge themselves with cultural and spiritual energy.

Best time to visit New Delhi Kali Bari Temple

Delhi can be visited all through the year.

How to reach New Delhi 

The nearest railway station is New delhi railway station which is about 3.5 km from the temple. Old Delhi railway station is about 10 km from the temple.

The nearest airport is Delhi Airport and is about 12 km from the temple.

Nearby temples and places of interest

Other temples and places of interest are – Birla Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Akshardham Temple, Red Fort and Qutub Minar.

Puja in Delhi – New Delhi kalibari Temple

Pandit Ji in Delhi – New Delhi kalibari Temple

Accomodation in Delhi – New Delhi kalibari Temple

• Delhi – Adhyatm Sadhna Kendra
• Delhi – Birla Dharamshala (Laxmi Narayan Mandir)
• Delhi – Swaminarayan Mandir Sevashram

Nearby Attractions

• Birla Mandir
• Akshardham Temple
• Hanuman Mandir
•  Red Fort

Temple Location