Festivals

The festive spirit sets in with Durga Puja, a five day ritual and celebration for the ten armed goddess Durga. A major festival when excitement and activity touches a feverish pitch. Diwali, the festival of lights, is the worship of goddess Kali. Clay lamps and firecrackers are a part of the festival. Rathajatra organized by ISKCON, is Lord Jagannath's Car Festival.

Holi, the festival of colours, is a celebration of the spring season.

Muslim festivals, the two Ids, are also celebrated with great rejoining. Unique, perhaps, is the Christmas festivity that countries till the New Year.

From November, part of the Maidan is converted into fairgrounds. The Textile Fair, Art and Handicrafts Fair, Leather Exhibition and the famous Calcutta Book Fair are the favourites. The city is resonant with Film and Theater Festivals, music conferences, rock shows, art exhibitions and various other cultural activities. This is also the time when the fairs of rural Bengal are held.