Best Kalighat Temple Darshan Timings, Aarti Schedule & Entry Tips

Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites and a must-visit destination for both devotees and travelers. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, it is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India, attracting thousands of visitors daily. Whether you’re visiting for spiritual reasons or to experience Kolkata’s rich culture, knowing the darshan timings, aarti schedule, and entry tips will help you plan a smooth and fulfilling visit.

Kalighat Temple Darshan Timings

The temple remains open throughout the day with specific timings for devotees.

• Morning Darshan: 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Evening Darshan: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
• Closed Hours: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (afternoon break for rituals)

Best Time for Darshan: Early morning is considered the most peaceful time, as the crowd is relatively smaller and you can experience the divine atmosphere without much rush.

Kalighat Temple Aarti Schedule

Aartis are an important part of the worship rituals at Kalighat. Attending one of these ceremonies can be a deeply spiritual experience.

• Mangala Aarti (Morning): Around 5:30 AM – welcoming the Goddess at dawn.
• Bhog Aarti (Afternoon): Around 1:00 PM – offering of food to the deity.
• Sandhya Aarti (Evening): Around 7:00 PM – beautifully lit lamps and devotional songs create a serene atmosphere.
• Shayan Aarti (Night): Around 10:00 PM – performed before the deity is put to rest.

Note: Timings may vary slightly on special occasions, festivals, and during Navratri or Kali Puja.

Entry Tips for Visiting Kalighat Temple

To make the most of your visit, here are some practical travel tips:

1. Best Time to Visit

• Avoid weekends and major festivals if you want to skip the long queues.
• Early mornings on weekdays are the most peaceful.

2. Dress Code

• While there is no strict dress code, it is advisable to wear modest and traditional clothing as a sign of respect.

3. Entry Fee

• There is no entry fee for darshan at Kalighat Kali Temple.
• Special darshan tickets may be available during crowded times for quicker access.

4. Photography Rules

• Photography is strictly prohibited inside the sanctum.
• You can, however, take photos outside the temple complex.

5. Safety & Crowd Management

• Be cautious of local touts or people offering “VIP entry.” Stick to the official queues.
• Keep your belongings safe in the crowd.

6. Offerings & Prasad

• Flowers, sweets, and coconuts are common offerings. You can buy these from stalls near the temple.
• After darshan, don’t forget to collect prasad as a blessing.

7. Nearby Attractions

• Kalighat Market: Famous for puja items, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
• Kalighat Painting Shops: Explore the traditional folk art style unique to Kolkata.
• Princep Ghat & Victoria Memorial: Close by for those combining spirituality with sightseeing.

How to Reach Kalighat Temple

• By Metro: The nearest metro station is Kalighat Metro Station (Blue Line), just a 10-minute walk.
• By Bus/Taxi: Regular buses and taxis are available from Esplanade, Howrah, and other parts of Kolkata.
• By Air/Rail: From Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport or Howrah Railway Station, you can take a cab directly to Kalighat.

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Festivals at Kalighat Temple

The temple witnesses massive footfall during:

• Kali Puja (October/November) – grand celebrations with lights and rituals.
• Navratri/Durga Puja – thousands of devotees gather for blessings.
• Diwali – beautifully decorated temple with special aartis.

If you want to experience the spiritual energy of Kalighat at its peak, plan your visit during these times.

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Final Thought

Visiting Kalighat Kali Temple is more than just a pilgrimage – it’s an experience that connects you to Kolkata’s spiritual and cultural soul. By keeping track of the darshan timings, aarti schedule, and essential entry tips, you can make your visit smooth, memorable, and meaningful.

Whether you are a devotee seeking blessings or a traveler exploring India’s spiritual heritage, Kalighat offers a profound glimpse into Kolkata’s timeless devotion.