West Bengal : Fairs & Festivals

Poila Baisakh
Poila Baisakh is the first day of the Bengali calendar. It marks the beginning of a crop cycle in West Bengal and is considered as the most appropriate time for marriage. On this day, people wear new clothes and present sweets to their friends and relatives. Special cultural programmes are held in different parts of the city. A procession called ‘Prabhat Pheri’ is held early in the morning to welcome the New Year.

Durga Puja
The festival of Durga Puja brings in rejoice and festivity in West Bengal. The festival usually falls in the month of October for which the preparations begin in September itself. All Bengalis wear new clothes and prepare delicious foods to observe the festival with a new style. More…

Kali Puja

Kali Puja is celebrated every where in the state. This festival usually falls in the month of November. The importance of observing this festival is to propitiate Goddess Kali who is believed to be the destructor of all hostile forces. The festival brings rejoice among all people in the state.

Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr, popularly known as the "Festival of the Breaking of the Fast", is celebrated as soon as the new moon is sighted at the end of the month of fasting i.e. Ramadan. Special food and delicacies are prepared for the day and are presented to neighbors and friends. The Muslims of West Bengal celebrate Id-ul-Fitr with great enthusiasm. More…

Saraswati Puja

On the eve of Saraswati Puja, girls dress in yellow saris to emulate Goddess Saraswati. The Puja is basically observed in schools and colleges with idols of Saraswati, who is believed to be the Goddess of Education and Arts in Indian mythology, making the festival special for students. Students pray to the divine Mother for their success in studies and wish for a bright future. More...

Shivratri

This is a festival observed in honor of Lord Shiva and it is believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Goddess Parvati. This is an important day for the devotees of Lord Shiva, who stay awake throughout the night, praying to him. It is a grand occasion for the people of West Bengal. From the very early morning, Shiva temples are thronged with devotees, mostly women, who come to perform the traditional worship of the Shivalinga. More…

Muharram

The festival commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson- Hazrat Imam Hussein. It is celebrated with great fervour by the Muslims of the city especially the Shia community. Tazias, glittering replicas of the Martyr's tomb, are carried in procession through the streets. More…

Christmas

Each year, on the eve of Christmas, millions of homes across West Bengal are decorated with Christmas trees and fairy lights. Christmas is celebrated in Kolkata with love and enthusiasm. The St Paul Cathedral of the city is decorated with candles and electrical bulbs to make the surrounding more vivacious. More…