When on Diwali, Laxmi puja becomes the core for most, in Bengal, Orissa, North East and for Shakta worshippers, Maa Kali is worshipped on Kali Chaudas
Maa kali and her feet on shiva:
There does exist Shastra Pramana of Maa Kali placing Her foot on Lord Shiva’s chest during war time, though the story is the exact opposite of what we’ve heard, and Raktabeej or Chanda-Munda aren’t involved.
As per Brihannandikeshwar Purana, Maa Kali was once very much disappointed with the atrocities carried out by Asuras in Bhuloka, which is why by taking another form She descended from Mahakali Lokam. But just like in the case of Maa Ganga, the impact of Maa Kali’s direct descent on Earth would’ve caused disaster and destroyed everything; so to brace up the impact, Lord Shiva lied down on the ground and Maa Kali descended on His chest.
This happened on the amavasya Tithi of Kartik month, and after descending on Lord Shiva’s chest Maa Kali went ahead to kill Asuras and restore the peace, due to which the said Tithi became Deepanwita Kali Puja.
There however is no mention of Maa Kali feeling shy for placing Her foot on Lord Shiva’s and sticking out Her tongue due to that; but it is clear that the opposite of what we get to hear had happened.
From the philosophical POV as per Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the imagery of Maa Kali/Tara dancing on Lord Shiva is the symbol of the union of Paraprakriti with Paramapurusha
Lord Shiva lies down, and Maa Kali/Tara dances on Him. It symbolizes the fact that Lord Shiva is Vimarsha- the inactive principle that provides base or support, while Maa Kali/Tara is Prakasha- the active principle that acts when supported by the inactive one.
Even in nature, we see that the Earth and the Sky are inactive, and between these two Water, Fire and Air are able to act; if both don’t complement each other, then the existence of the world we live in would be at stake.
Similarly, if Maa Kali/Tara doesn’t dance on Lord Shiva, then creation can’t take place to begin with. So there’s nothing disrespectful in doing the needful. #spirituality