Famous Kali Puja of Kolkata’s Notorious Fata Keshto, A Legacy of Devotion, Celebration, and Tradition

Famous Kali Puja of Kolkata’s Notorious “Fata Keshto”: A Legacy of Devotion, Celebration, and Tradition

The Kali Puja of Kolkata’s infamous “Fata Keshto,” also known as Krishna Chandra, remains one of the city’s most celebrated events, steeped in unique history and reverence. Despite being dubbed a “don” of Kolkata in his time, Fata Keshto’s annual puja has evolved into an event cherished by thousands of devotees who gather to honor the “awakening” presence of Goddess Kali on Sitaram Ghosh Street.

Fata Keshto’s journey to becoming a revered devotee of Goddess Kali began with a near-death experience in Kolkata Medical College, where he survived multiple stabbings and injuries. Despite a life on the edge, he returned with renewed devotion and dedicated his life to the Goddess, establishing his Kali Puja in 1955 on Guru Prasad Chowdhury Lane. Eventually, he moved the puja to Sitaram Ghosh Street, transforming it from a small affair into a grand celebration that has continued in his name.

One of the most striking features of Fata Keshto’s Kali Puja is its adherence to tradition. Known as a “Barowari” or community-organized puja, the event upholds age-old customs with remarkable diligence. The Goddess, represented by a ten-foot-tall idol in dark blue, is adorned in traditional attire. The rituals begin a day before the puja when the deity is given offerings in a symbolic invitation to the event. Only the head priest is permitted to cook the bhog (offering) for the Goddess, with strict adherence to purity and traditional practices—a rarity even among other Barowari pujas.

The grandeur and significance of Fata Keshto’s puja have attracted numerous Bollywood stars, including Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, and Vinod Khanna, all of whom attended and honored the Goddess on this auspicious day. Locally, the late matinee idol Uttam Kumar was known to visit yearly, honoring the deity and sharing a few words with the attendees. Even today, the puja sees a gathering of around fifteen thousand devotees during the Aarti (prayer) and Anjali (offering), demonstrating the lasting popularity and devotion associated with Fata Keshto’s Kali Puja.

A fascinating anecdote often recounted by locals involves a “possession” incident during one of the early pujas, where a woman, allegedly under the Goddess’s influence, requested a red-bordered saree for the deity. Another incident saw the Goddess “demanding” a larger glass for water through a devotee in trance. These occurrences, whether belief or folklore, have fueled the faith that the deity here is “Jagrat” or awakened. In fact, devotees believe that sincere wishes are often fulfilled, leading to widespread reverence for this puja.

In 1992, Fata Keshto passed away, yet his legacy endures as Sitaram Ghosh Street continues to celebrate the puja with the same fervor. From lavish adornments and heartfelt rituals to the enthralling devotion of thousands, Fata Keshto’s Kali Puja has earned a special place in Kolkata’s rich cultural tapestry. The historical significance, coupled with stringent ritualistic practices, adds to the awe and respect surrounding this unique celebration of Goddess Kali.

For many, Fata Keshto’s Kali Puja is more than an event; it is an embodiment of Kolkata’s resilience, devotion, and cultural heritage. As the Goddess’s idol journeys from Kumartuli to the pandal each year, a sense of anticipation fills the air, carrying forward the memories of Fata Keshto and his unbreakable bond with the Goddess.

Even today, the event holds a powerful draw, with devotees and visitors alike attesting to the special atmosphere that surrounds this Kolkata landmark. The puja, named after Kolkata’s “first don,” has maintained its reputation, blending spirituality, community, and an unyielding faith that transcends generations.