Famous Festivals in Kolkata: A Peek into the City’s Unique Culture

The ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata has a one-of-a-kind identity among the many cities in India. It boasts Victorian architecture, mouth-watering food, bustling traditional markets, and unique culture. The people of the city are as sweet as the Bengali delicacy, ‘rosogulla’. And the festivals in Kolkata are celebrated with sheer zeal. Every year, people from around the world visit this colorful city to be part of special days such as Durga Puja. 

If you are planning to visit the city, you must try to do so during any festival. This will let you experience the true culture of Kolkata. You can not only be part of the celebrations but you can relish seasonal delicacies, see locals wear traditional dresses and also watch the unity in the ‘city of joy’. Here are some festivals in Kolkata that will give you a peek of the city’s unique culture. 

Saraswati Puja 

Celebrated to honor the Hindu Goddess Saraswati, this usually falls on the fifth day of the Hindu month, Magha. It is popularly known as Vasant Panchami in northern India. Saraswati is called the ‘Goddess of Learning’ and so the locals believe this day is auspicious to begin their little one’s education. Most kids in Kolkata begin writing for the first time after Saraswati Puja. Young girls can be seen wearing bright-colored saris as they visit the beautifully-decorated pandals of Goddess Saraswati. The celebrations are no less than any other festival so you can book flights to Kolkata and explore the city during Saraswati Puja celebrations. 

Poila Boishakh

Are you wondering what is Poila Boishakh? It is the first day of the Bengali calendar year. So, you can consider it as the New Year for Bengalis. Families come together to celebrate this day together. Preparations begin days in advance with purchase of new clothes. Delicacies are made at home and shared with friends and relatives. Considered auspicious to make new beginnings, businesses, traders or shopkeepers make elaborate arrangements for ‘Hal Khata’. It is a ceremony in which they start using new accounting books on Poila Boishakh.

Durga Puja

Considered the biggest among the many festivals in Kolkata, Durga Puja marks the victory of good over evil. The city is decked up with flowers, lights and various other decorative items. Pandals of Goddess Durga come up at every corner of the city and are crowded with locals. Also called Vijaya Dashmi, people from across the world visit Kolkata to be with their families for extensive celebrations. As the demand would be high, you might find it difficult to book an itinerary. So, you can book low-fare flights in advance to be part of the grand Durga Puja festivities. 

Also Read: Places for a Day Trip from Kolkata

Kali Puja 

Kali Puja is one of the most popular festivals in Kolkata after Durga Puja. It is observed nearly twenty days after Durga Puja. Melodious mantras are chanted all through the night until dawn. For this occasion, special garlands are used to adorn the goddess. Sweets, rice and lentils are also offered to the deity. It is usually celebrated at the time when the rest of India observes Diwali. You can book Indian Eagle flight tickets and travel to the city to be part of this beautiful festival. 

These are some of the most popular festivals in Kolkata that bring out the best both in people and the city. Did you ever visit Kolkata during any of the festivals mentioned above? If yes, comment below and share your experience with us. 

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