Events & Festivals of Bengal
Discover a land where every season brings a new celebration. Dive into the rich tapestry of Bengal's cultural and religious festivals that are celebrated with unparalleled passion and artistic fervor.
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Experience the grand, iconic celebrations that define Bengal's cultural identity.
Immerse yourself in the region's rich artistic and intellectual heritage.
Discover the rustic charm and folk traditions of Bengal's seasonal fairs.
All Upcoming Events
A complete list of all festivals and events happening in Bengal.
Durga Puja
October 9-13, 2025 | Main Festival Days
Experience the most magnificent festival in Bengal where art, culture, devotion, and community spirit come together in a spectacular 10-day celebration that transforms cities into open-air galleries and brings families together from across the world.
Kali Puja
October 29, 2025 | The Night of Worship
Witness the vibrant and powerful celebration of Kali Puja, which coincides with Diwali, where Bengal honors the fierce goddess Kali with spectacular fireworks, illuminated streets, and devoted worship.
Saraswati Puja
February 2, 2025 | Vasant Panchami
Experience Saraswati Puja, the beautiful spring festival dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, music, and art, celebrated with vibrant yellow attire, floral offerings, and a spirit of youthful romance.
Poila Boishakh
April 15, 2025 | The First Day of Boishakh
Celebrate Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, a festival of new beginnings, cultural processions, delicious feasts, and heartfelt greetings of 'Shubho Noboborsho!' (Happy New Year!).
Kolkata International Book Fair
Late January - Early February
Immerse yourself in a paradise for book lovers at the Kolkata International Book Fair, the world's largest non-trade book fair, attracting millions of visitors and publishers from around the globe.
Poush Mela
December 23-26 (approx.)
Experience the rustic charm of rural Bengal at Poush Mela in Shantiniketan, a vibrant winter fair that celebrates the harvest season with folk music, dance, local crafts, and delicious food.
Kolkata International Film Festival
Early December (Tentative)
Join cinephiles from around the world at the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), one of Asia's most prestigious film events, celebrating the art of cinema with screenings, masterclasses, and exhibitions.
Dover Lane Music Festival
Late January (around Republic Day)
Experience the magic of Hindustani classical music at the prestigious Dover Lane Music Festival, an all-night event featuring the greatest maestros of our time.
Rabindra Jayanti
May 8-9 (approx.)
Join Bengal in celebrating the birth anniversary of its greatest icon, Rabindranath Tagore, with a day filled with poetry, music, dance, and art that pays tribute to his timeless legacy.
Nandikar's National Theatre Festival
Mid-December
Experience the power and diversity of Indian theatre at Nandikar's National Theatre Festival, one of the country's oldest and most prestigious theatre events, held annually in Kolkata.
Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival
Mid-January
Join celebrated authors, thinkers, and literary enthusiasts at the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF), a premier event that celebrates the power of words and ideas.
Jamsteady Monsoon Music Festival
August (usually)
Groove to the sounds of India's best independent bands at the Jamsteady Monsoon Music Festival, a celebration of original music, from rock and jazz to folk and electronic.
Ganga Sagar Mela
Mid-January (Makar Sankranti)
Join millions of pilgrims at the Ganga Sagar Mela, one of the largest and most sacred Hindu gatherings, held at the confluence of the River Ganga and the Bay of Bengal.
Kenduli Mela
Mid-January (coincides with Makar Sankranti)
Immerse yourself in the enchanting folk music of the Bauls at Kenduli Mela, an annual fair celebrating the birth of the 12th-century poet Jayadeva.
Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival
November-December (usually)
Experience the culture, cuisine, and world-famous tea of North Bengal at the Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival, a vibrant event held against the backdrop of the Himalayas.
Bishnupur Mela
Late December
Discover the rich artistic heritage of Bishnupur at this annual winter fair, which showcases the region's famous terracotta crafts, Baluchari sarees, and classical music.
Vasant Utsav (Holi)
March (Day of Holi)
Experience Holi like never before at Shantiniketan's Vasant Utsav, a graceful and cultured celebration of spring introduced by Rabindranath Tagore, filled with music, dance, and vibrant colors.
Naba Barsho Fair
Mid-April (around Poila Boishakh)
Discover the joyous atmosphere of Naba Barsho (Bengali New Year) fairs, which spring up across Bengal, celebrating the new year with cultural programs, food stalls, and traditional goods.
Eid al-Fitr
On sighting of the crescent moon (approx. April)
Experience the joyous culmination of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr in Bengal, a festival marked by prayers, charity, family gatherings, and magnificent culinary feasts.
Rath Yatra
July (approx)
Witness the spectacular Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, where idols of deities are paraded on magnificent, towering chariots pulled by thousands of devotees.
Christmas
December 25th
Experience the magic of Christmas in Kolkata, where Park Street transforms into a carnival of lights, music, and festive cheer, celebrated by people of all communities.
Jagadhatri Puja
Approximately one month after Durga Puja (Nov)
Experience the spectacular Jagadhatri Puja, celebrated with immense grandeur, towering idols, and brilliant light decorations, especially in the heritage town of Chandannagar.