Kalpataru Puja

Kalpataru Puja is observed on January 1st to commemorate the day when Sri Ramakrishna blessed his devotees with spiritual realization in 1886. For Bengalis, it is a sacred beginning of the year..

The rituals take place at Dakshineswar and Belur Math, where devotees gather in large numbers. An image of Sri Ramakrishna is placed on the altar, decorated with flowers and garlands. Devotees offer prayers, chant hymns, and meditate. The central belief is that on this day Ramakrishna transformed into a “Kalpataru” (wish-fulfilling tree) by blessing all who came to him. In Bengali homes, devotees observe the puja with simplicity—offering fruits, sweets, incense, and heartfelt prayers for spiritual growth and peace.