Kolkata is a vibrant city where Bengalis find countless reasons to celebrate. This festive spirit is often highlighted in both print and cinematic media, showcasing Kolkata’s unique charm. The city’s many festivals keep its residents engaged year-round, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere during celebrations. From Durga Puja and Kali Puja to Saraswati Puja, there’s always a festival around the corner. Visitors looking to experience this festive fervour can also find convenient accommodation options, such as hotels in Kolkata, to make the most of their stay and immerse themselves in the city’s dynamic culture.
1. Saraswati Puja: 14th February, 2024
One of Kolkata’s distinctive celebrations is the occasion marking the return of the Hindu Goddess of Learning. Traditionally observed on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magha, it is known as Vasant Panchami in northern India and Saraswati Puja in West Bengal. This day holds immense significance as an auspicious time for new ventures and fresh beginnings. In Kolkata, it is customary for young children to embark on their educational journey by writing their first letters or words on this day. The city comes alive with the sight of little girls adorned in vibrant saris, visiting intricately decorated pandals dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.
Saraswati Puja
2. Basanti Durga Puja April 2024
Though Durga Puja, typically celebrated in September-October, is widely recognized, ancient scriptures suggest that the original worship of Goddess Durga occurred in the spring. Referred to as Basanti Durga Puja, this springtime festival held primary importance in invoking the goddess. Despite the autumnal Shardiya Durga Puja gaining more prominence, Basanti Durga Puja continues to hold significance in Kolkata. The city resonates with the echoes of conch shells and illuminates with vibrantly decorated pandals housing idols of the Goddess, creating a lively atmosphere.
Basanti Durga Puja
3. Durga Puja 9th October — 13th October, 2024
Durga Puja stands as one of the most magnificent festivals in the region, particularly renowned in Kolkata for its grandeur and deep-rooted faith symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The festival reveres Goddess Durga, who, after a tenacious battle spanning ten days, vanquished the shape-shifting demon Mahisasura, culminating in Vijay Dashmi, the day of victory. Kolkata witnesses an unprecedented surge in festivities during these days, with streets bustling with fervent energy, amplifying the already bustling atmosphere. Amidst the hustle, people indulge in last-minute shopping sprees and embark on pilgrimages to the myriad exquisitely crafted pandals that embellish the city. These meticulously designed structures, drawing admiration from global visitors, infuse Kolkata with a vibrant spirit, transforming it into a lively hub of jubilant celebration throughout the ten-day extravaganza.
Durga Puja
4. Maha Shivratri (February or March), 2024
Maha Shivratri is a highly revered festival in Hindu tradition, holding immense religious significance. It occurs on the 14th day of the lunar month of Phalguna and is characterized by fasting, prayer, and nocturnal observances. Devotees devoutly worship Lord Shiva, beseeching his blessings for inner strength, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment. Throughout the country, temples are adorned with fragrant flowers and illuminated with radiant lamps, fostering an atmosphere of tranquility and holiness. The observance of Maha Shivratri with sincerity and dedication is believed to attract divine blessings, fostering peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Maha Shivratri
5. Lakshmi Puja 16th October, 2024
Lakshmi Puja signifies the cherished return of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess symbolizing wealth and prosperity, to homes. While this ritual is observed by Hindus throughout India during Diwali, in Bengal, it is uniquely honored as Lakshmi Puja at home. Families have the option to either engage a priest’s services or conduct the puja independently. During the ceremony, devotees make offerings to Goddess Lakshmi, accompanied by sincere prayers for her blessings of abundance and prosperity to enrich their households.
Lakshmi Puja
6. Kali Puja 31st October, 2024
Kali Puja, a significant festival in Kolkata, occurs approximately twenty days after Durga Puja and stands as one of the city’s major celebrations alongside it. This religious observance venerates Goddess Kali and is distinguished by night-long recitations of mantras, extending until daybreak. During the rituals, the deity is adorned with vibrant hibiscus garlands and presented with offerings such as sweets, rice, and lentils. Although historically animal sacrifices were practiced at some locations, such customs have notably diminished over time. It’s worth mentioning that Kali Puja coincides with Diwali, the widely celebrated festival of lights observed across the rest of the country.
Kali Puja
7. Ganesh Chaturthi 7th September 2024
Ganesh Chaturthi commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, revered as the elephant-headed deity who symbolizes the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of new beginnings in Hindu mythology. This festival, observed during the Hindu month of Bhadra pada, usually falling in the period of August to September in the Gregorian calendar, entails the installation of Ganesha idols both in private households and public venues. Subsequently, devotees engage in several days of worship, making offerings and participating in cultural festivities as a means of honoring the beloved deity.
Ganesh Chaturthi
8. Janmashtami 26th August 2024
Janmashtami is a significant Hindu festival that commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Celebrated with immense fervor and devotion. Janmashtami typically occurs in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, The festival is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapada, which falls between August and September
in the Gregorian calendar. Devotees observe this auspicious occasion by fasting, singing devotional songs, and participating in various religious rituals. Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna are adorned with vibrant decorations, and special prayers are offered throughout the day and night.
Janmashtami
9. Jagadharti Puja 8 -11 November 2024
Jagaddhatri Puja, a vibrant celebration held in Kolkata, pays homage to Goddess Jagaddhatri, the divine mother who embodies strength and protection. This festival unfolds in the auspicious month of Kartik , following the fervor of Kali Puja. Devotees adorn intricately crafted idols of Jagaddhatri with elaborate decorations, offering prayers and devotions. Streets come alive with colorful processions, music, and cultural performances, creating an atmosphere of joy and reverence.
Jagadharti Puja
Conclusion
Kolkata, often hailed as the cultural capital of India, is a city where the spirit of celebration is a way of life. From the grandiose Durga Puja to the heartwarming Christmas festivities at Park Street, each festival brings a unique charm and vibrancy to the city. The city's rich cultural tapestry is woven with threads of diverse traditions, where every celebration is a testament to Kolkata's inclusive and harmonious spirit.