10 Festivals in Kolkata to Experience the Best of the Culture

Kolkata, known as the “City of Joy,” is famous for its rich culture, vibrant festivals, and warm-hearted people. The city comes alive with colors, music, dance, and rituals during its many festivals. If you want to experience the true spirit of Kolkata, attending these festivals is a must. Here are 10 festivals in Kolkata that showcase the city’s deep-rooted traditions and joyful spirit.

1. Durga Puja

Durga Puja is the biggest and most celebrated festival in Kolkata. Held every year in October, this festival honors Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. For five days, the entire city is decked with lights, and elaborately designed pandals (temporary structures) are set up in every neighborhood. Locals and tourists alike hop from one pandal to another, admiring the creativity, art, and devotion involved in the celebration. Traditional dances, music, and delicious Bengali sweets like rasgulla and sandesh add to the festivities.

2. Kali Puja

Celebrated just after Durga Puja, Kali Puja is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the fierce form of Goddess Durga. It usually falls on the night of Diwali, the festival of lights. During Kali Puja, the city is illuminated with lamps and fireworks. The rituals involve offering flowers, fruits, and sweets to Goddess Kali, while devotees gather to pray for protection from evil and prosperity. Kali Puja in Kolkata is an awe-inspiring event, especially when experienced at iconic temples like the Kalighat Temple.

3. Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year)

Poila Boishakh marks the beginning of the Bengali New Year, usually celebrated in mid-April. It is a day of new beginnings and is widely celebrated across Kolkata. On this day, people wear traditional clothes, exchange sweets, and visit temples to offer prayers for a prosperous year ahead. The streets are filled with fairs, music, and cultural performances. The celebration also includes feasting on traditional Bengali dishes such as hilsa fish, luchi, and payesh.

4. Saraswati Puja

Saraswati Puja is celebrated in January or February to honor Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and learning. For students and scholars, this festival holds special importance. Educational institutions and homes are decorated, and books, musical instruments, and art tools are placed before the deity for blessings. Many young people treat this day as a Bengali Valentine’s Day, where they dress up in traditional attire and celebrate with friends.

5. Rath Yatra

Rath Yatra is a unique festival where Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra are taken out in massive chariots through the streets. Thousands of devotees gather to pull the ropes of these chariots as part of the ritual. This festival, celebrated in June or July, is a sight to behold, especially at the ISKCON temple in Kolkata. The atmosphere is filled with joy, devotion, and spirituality.

6. Christmas in Park Street

Christmas in Kolkata has its own charm, especially on Park Street. While Kolkata has a significant Christian population, Christmas is celebrated by people of all religions. Park Street is beautifully decorated with lights, and the streets are filled with food stalls, music, and merriment. The Christmas Carnival, with its festive cheer, attracts both locals and tourists. Midnight mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral is a popular event during this season.

7. Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kolkata, especially in areas like Park Circus and Metiabruz. This festival marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. People gather in large numbers to offer prayers at mosques, followed by a grand feast that includes delicacies like biryani, kebabs, and sweets like sheer khurma. The festival promotes unity, brotherhood, and sharing among communities.

8. Rabindra Jayanti

Rabindra Jayanti, celebrated on May 7th, marks the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, Bengal’s beloved poet and Nobel laureate. The day is celebrated with much fervor across Kolkata, particularly in educational institutions and cultural centers. Recitations, songs, plays, and dance performances based on Tagore’s works are held throughout the city. It’s a day that celebrates the rich literary and cultural heritage of Bengal, and if you’re in Kolkata during this time, you’ll get to witness the deep respect people have for Tagore.

9. Mahalaya

Mahalaya is a festival that signifies the beginning of Durga Puja. It is celebrated around late September, marking the arrival of Goddess Durga to Earth. The highlight of Mahalaya is the early morning recitation of the “Mahishasuramardini” slokas, broadcast on the radio. It is an emotional experience for Bengalis as they wake up before dawn to listen to these chants. Many also visit the Ganges River to offer prayers to their ancestors, a ritual called “Tarpan.”

10. Bhai Phonta

Bhai Phonta is a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan. It is usually observed two days after Diwali. On this day, sisters apply a ceremonial mark (phonta) on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their well-being, while brothers give gifts in return. The day is filled with family gatherings, feasting, and the sharing of sweets. The festival emphasizes the importance of sibling love and protection.

Conclusion

Kolkata’s festivals are a window into the heart of its culture. Each festival brings with it unique rituals, stories, and celebrations that bind people together. From the grand Durga Puja to the simple yet heartfelt Bhai Phonta, these festivals allow visitors to immerse themselves in the warmth and joy of Kolkata’s traditions.

If you ever want to witness the soul of Kolkata, plan your trip around these festivals. They are not just events but a true celebration of life and community. Curious Kasturi offers more insights into the best of Kolkata’s cultural and festivel experiences, helping you connect with the city’s vibrant spirit.