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Bhog holds a significant place in most pujas as it symbolizes devotion, gratitude, and the act of sharing. During Kali Puja, bhog typically consists of a variety of foods that include sweets, fruits, rice dishes, and deep-fried items. Traditional offerings include khichuri (rice and lentil mix), luchi (deep-fried flatbread), vegetables, sweets like sandesh and rasgulla, and fruits like bananas. Non-vegetarian offerings, such as fish or meat, are also served to the goddess by some communities.
However, did you know there's a Kali temple in Kolkata which serves noodles as prasad? As you walk through the bustling lanes of Kolkata's China Town, you’ll discover a unique Kalibari, known as the "Chinese Kali Temple." The plaque outside clearly identifies it, blending two rich cultures. Twice a day, the locals gather to perform traditional puja, much like in other Kali temples across Bengal.
However, what truly sets this temple apart is the distinctive prasad (offering) given to devotees. Unlike the typical sweets or fruits offered in most temples, the prasad here often includes dishes with a touch of Chinese influence, reflecting the blend of Indian and Chinese cultures in this area.
Locared in Tangra's Matheswartala Road, Tangra, the temple has statues of Goddess Kali and Lord Shiva. What makes this place truly unique is the variety of offerings presented to the goddess. Alongside traditional items like flowers, devotees also include noodles and other Chinese dishes as sacred offerings.
Tangra, often referred to as Kolkata's Chinatown, earned its name due to the settlement of Chinese immigrants in the area several decades ago. Originally, these migrants came from Guangdong province and primarily engaged in the leather tanning industry, setting up numerous tanneries in Tangra. Over time, as the leather industry faced challenges and regulations, the community shifted focus, leading to the emergence of Chinese restaurants.
This transition marked the beginning of Tangra's fame as a culinary hub, introducing the city to Indo-Chinese cuisine. The area is now lined with family-run eateries offering specialities like Hakka noodles, chili chicken, and fried rice. Tangra’s distinct blend of cultures, reflected in its food, has made it a must-visit destination for food lovers in Kolkata.
According to local lore, the Kali temple's origins trace back to two stones beneath a large tree where people would regularly place red powder and pray. The story goes that a Chinese boy fell gravely ill, and no treatment seemed to work. In desperation, his parents prayed at these stones to Goddess Kali, and miraculously, the boy recovered.
After witnessing the miraculous recovery, the boy's family decided to build a temple on that very spot. It was a community effort, with members of the Chinese community coming together to raise funds for the project. The result was a temple that stands as a symbol of cultural harmony, bridging two distinct traditions.
A Bengali priest visits the temple every morning and evening to conduct the religious ceremonies. Established in 1998, the temple was made possible through the generous contributions of both the Chinese and Bengali communities.
