While most Indians worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on Diwali, the Aghoris observe the night differently. Celebrated on the new moon (Amavasya) of Kartik month, Diwali’s dark night is considered a powerful time for tantric practices. The absence of moonlight is believed to make negative forces more active, making it an auspicious night for Aghoris to conduct their secretive rituals aimed at attaining siddhis (spiritual powers).

On Diwali night, Aghoris worship Mahakali amid cremation grounds, chanting mantras with intense devotion. The energy of Tantra is said to stem from the power of the Mother Goddess. Alongside Mahakali, they also honor Mahakal (Lord Shiva) and other deities. In places like Manikarnika Ghat in Kashi (Varanasi) and Ujjain, these rituals involve startling scenes, including bathing in symbolic blood, corpse meditation, standing on one leg on burning funeral pyres, and performing special aartis such as that of Baba Aghad Daani.

Though these rituals are deeply rooted in esoteric tantra and are meant to transcend worldly taboos, orthodox scriptures like the Vedas and Ramcharitra Manas strongly discourage such practices. They are considered opposite to family-oriented and societal norms, and it is advised that regular householders avoid participation in these rites.