This festival, usually falling around January, commemorates Joydeb, the author of the Gita Govinda. Celebrations are held in the village of Kenduli near Shantiniketan; this is the place to hear Baul minstrels in their element.

During the winter solstice of Makar Sankranti (December-January), thousands of Hindu pilgrims travel through Kolkata for a 3-day festival at Sagar Dwip, 150km south at the mouth of the Hooghly where the Ganges meets the sea.

Saraswati Puja

Usually falling around January/February, this worship of the goddess of learning is enthusiastically celebrated by students throughout the state.

Chinese New Year


This is the occasion when Kolkata's Chinatown in Tangra celebrates with a week-long festival of dragon dances, firecrackers and fine food.

Dol Purnima or Holi

The spring festival, occuring around February/March, is especially popular with young roving groups of men!

Rath Yatra


The chariot festival held around June/July, honours Jagganath, the Lord of the World. Of course Orissa is the epicentre for these festivities; in Calcutta, festivities are organized by ISKCON.


Vishvakarma Puja

Dedicated to the God of Creation; craftsmen and artists decorate their tools with images of the deity during celebrations around September.

Lakshmi Puja





This is held five days after Dashami.






Kali Puja

Around October/November, two weeks afterLakshmi Puja, Kali Puja is held on a moonless night. Kali Puja coincides with Diwali, the festival of light.




Poush Mela

The mela or fair, held in Shantiniketan just after Christmas, attracts Bauls -- wandering minstrels who perform songs and dances, accompanied by their unique instrument, the ektara.