Festivals

Kolkata, the city holding more than 13 million souls, comes to life during festival days. It is party time and everyone is invited. The festivals celebrated in Kolkata are characterized by fanfare, food, noise, processions and religious hymns. During festive days the city markets reflect the glitz and the glamour, streets choke as more and more people pump out of their homes, kitchens exude ravishing flavors and worshipping places present the sanctity of spiritual being. In Kolkata one can see the festivals, hear the festivals, smell the festivals, taste the festivals and truly feel the difference.

The cosmopolitan society of Kolkata celebrate most of the popular Indian festivals with the same fervour. However, the festival of Durga Puja and Kali Puja witnesses a different buzz. One good reason for this difference is the popularity of the deity that is Goddess Durga, in the region. Other festivals celebrated in the city include Kali Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Rathyatra, Bhai Phota, Charak Puja, Dol Purnima, Saraswati Puja, Rathyatra, Poila Baisakhi, Pous Mela and Vidyasagar Mela.