THE ORIGIN AND RISE OF KALI YATRA

The Kali Yatra Festival has grown to become one of the largest Hindu festivals outside of India dedicated to the fierce and compassionate Goddess Kali. What began with a humble yet powerful vision has blossomed into a transformative cultural and spiritual movement that now draws thousands across the dual-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad & Tobago and beyond.

This vision was born in the heart of Mr. Gopaul Ragoonanan, who sought to bring justice and reverence to the often misunderstood form of the Divine Mother. His inspiration came during his service in Hanuman Yatra across the East-West corridors of Trinidad and Tobago—an opportunity entrusted to him by Shree Gyan Ramlogan, a respected spiritual guide in Trinidad’s Hindu community. It was this journey that sparked the thought: Why not Kali?

Moved by an inner calling, Mr. Ragoonanan joined hands with the late Pandit Sunil Ragbirsingh, a deeply devoted priest who “answered the call” to bring this divine mission to life. With the support of a close circle of friends, relatives, and devotees, the first Kali Yatra was born.

The inaugural celebration—a sacred one-day yatra—travelled temple to temple in honor of Maa Kali, and was graciously hosted by the Siva Ashta Siddhi Temple. The first-ever murti (idol) and venue were made possible through the generosity of Mr. Michael James, setting the foundation for what would become a national phenomenon.

As the movement grew, so too did the platform. The festival eventually found its home at the NCIC Divali Nagar, taking its place on the Main Stage, where thousands gather annually in a collective outpouring of devotion. What started as a single-day procession evolved into a week-long celebration filled with discourses, divine rituals, grand artis, mesmerizing orchestras, sacred poojas, and vibrant dance-leelas performed by the nation’s leading cultural groups.

Each year, the festival expands in meaningful ways—not just in scale, but in spiritual depth. Central to the Yatra is the annual consecration of a new Kali Murti, with each year culminating in powerful visarjan ceremonies at rivers and beaches across Trinidad and Tobago. These deeply symbolic rituals—alongside the festival’s rich expressions of music, dance, and prayer—form the heartbeat of the Yatra’s enduring legacy.

The 10th anniversary of the festival marked a powerful milestone. It stood as a celebration of a decade of unwavering devotion, community growth, and cultural preservation. It was a moment of reflection—honoring the journey from a humble yatra to a national treasure—and of renewal, as the festival stepped into a new chapter with even greater clarity and purpose.

At the dawn of this new decade, a deeply symbolic occurrence took place. A murti was donated that bore an uncanny resemblance to the first-ever Kali Murti inaugurated at the festival’s inception. Though not the same physical idol, its form mirrored that original image so closely that it felt like the Divine Mother herself had chosen to return in the same form. This unexpected full-circle moment stirred deep emotion among the devotees, reminding everyone that Kali Maa's presence continues to guide and grace the Yatra at every step.

Guided by the Trinidad and Tobago Yatra Committee Inc. (TTYC)—the registered body behind the festival—the Kali Yatra continues with unwavering dedication and humility. The movement has now become a spiritual landmark, drawing devotees and cultural enthusiasts from Guyana, Suriname, the United States, India, and beyond.

This journey, fueled by love for the Divine Mother, continues through the tireless efforts of the Ragoonanan family, the steadfast leadership of TTYC, and the unwavering support of the Friends of the Kali Yatra Festival.