Kolkata is rightly called 'The City of Joy' as this city seems to be indulging in celebrations all through the year. The various festivals and events in Kolkata uphold the cultural tradition and the creative potential of the people of the city.
The Festivals in Kolkata
The Durga Puja is the most important of all festivals in Kolkata. This is a five day celebration but the fun of the occasion is evident from a month prior to the date of the Puja. This is the time when many Bengalis return home and reunite with their family. People exchange gifts and sweets with their family, neighbors and acquaintances. During Durga Puja in Calcutta, the streets are dotted with Pandals. Also a number of fairs are held to cater to the festive demands of the people.
Other pujas and events in Kolkata include the Kali
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Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Sarawati Puja, Jagaddhatri Puja, Kartik Puja, Ganesh Puja and Vishwakarma Puja. The Vishwakarma puja is equivalent to the celebration of the international labor day. On this day all factory workers, drivers and such other workers worship lord Vishwakarma, the engineering God and also fly kites. All the Pujas are conducted according to the Bengali calendar.
Other important events and festivals among Bengalis include the Poila Baishakh celebrations, the Boshonto Utsav, Posh Mela, Dol Purnima, Jamai Shoshti, Bhai Phota, Dol Purnima and Rabindra Jayanti to name a few.
During the winter season various fairs are held in Kolkata. Some of the most important fairs include the Kolkata book fair, the Vidyasagar mela, the Dover Lane Music Festival, the International rubber good festival and the Indian rubber expo. The Kolkata International Festival too is a very popular event of the city.
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