Tourists are drawn from all over the world to the relaxed charm of Kolkata. The annual festivals of Kolkata are the most awaited events across the country.

 Kolkata is a part of Malwa Plateau. It is also famous as the city of lakes.
Kolkala was able to uphold its old values and traditions in spite of the process of modernization going on. Almost 15 festivals are celebrated in Kolkata every year. These are called the Pandals which is in fact a lavish bamboo edifice. It is a vital element of all the Kolkata’s Hindu Festivals. For Kolkata, festivals are not just for religious celebrations but are also an occasion to meet people, meet the culture of the city, and also discover the past of our very own country.

Some of these festivals of Kolkata are described below.

Poila Baisakh
This festival is the Bengali New Year. It takes place on the first month of the Bengali Calendar. The first day is referred to as the Poila Baisakh and marks the commencement of the crop cycle. On this ay many Bengali weddings take place and new businesses commence operation as they believe this day to be very lucky. The locals distribute some sweets and old gifts.

Muharram
In this festival a procession called the Ashoura is carried on in the city. This procession is led by snowy white horses goes to areas like Metiabruz and Khiderpore.

Durga Puja
This is an event devoted to the Goddess Durga. It extends for four days that happen between September and October. The people use incense, chants, drumbeats, , laughter food etc to please Goddess Durga.

It is an excellent occasion to meet old friends. Many activities are carried on during this blissful occasion including admiration activities for the different idols, gods and goddesses.

Joydev Mela
It is a fair cum festival that takes place in the month of January. It commemorates Bhakti’s birth. This festival has a deep link with the rural India. The festival lasts for three days when religious shoppers, baul minstrels and city slickers are out on the strrets of the city

Bhai Phota
This festival celebrates familial ties. Women keep fast in the morning. The fast is completed by putting a dab of sandalwood on the foreheads of their brothers. They wish for good health of their brothers and also offer sweets. The men then give gifts to their sister.

These are few of the festivals celebrated in Kolkata.