Festivals and Events in Kolkata

July 10, 2024

Here’s a list of some popular local festivals and events in Kolkata, presented in Markdown format:

Durga Puja

The biggest festival in Kolkata is the Durga Puja. It is a Hindu festival that celebrates the goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. The city transforms during this 5-day celebration, with beautiful idols of Goddess Durga being displayed across neighborhood pandals (temporary structures).

Kali Puja

Following Durga Puja, comes Kali Puja. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, another manifestation of Durga. The festival typically takes place on the new moon day in the lunar month of Ashvin (usually in October or November).

Jagaddhatri Puja

Jagaddhatri Puja is a Bengali Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Shashti, another manifestation of Durga. It is celebrated on the last Tuesday of the Bengali month of Ashwin.

Christmas in Kolkata

Christmas is also an important event in Kolkata. The city comes alive with decorations and celebrations at churches like St. Paul’s Cathedral, Armenian Church, and Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity.

Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is a significant event in Kolkata’s Muslim community. The festival is celebrated with great fervor, with prayers offered at mosques followed by feasting and gift-giving.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival that honors the elephant-headed god, Ganesha. The 10-day festival is celebrated across Kolkata, with small to large idols of Lord Ganesha installed in homes and community pandals.

Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF)

The Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) is one of India’s premier film festivals. It showcases a diverse range of films from around the world, attracting both local and international audiences.

Kolkata Book Fair (Boi Mela)

The Kolkata Book Fair (Boi Mela) is Asia’s largest book fair. Held annually in January at the Milan Mela Ground, it offers an extensive collection of books in various languages, making it a paradise for book lovers.