West Bengal, which is located in Eastern India and is known for its rich culture, celebrates festivals, almost every month and with great zeal. This can be justified by a Bengali saying that “Baaro Maash E Tero Parbon” which literally explains how there are thirteen festivals in most of the months. Celebrations are ample all year round. Durga Puja to fads and local practices, each and every celebration in this region speaks volumes of the cultural riches called Bengal.

Here are Top 10 most celebrated festivals in West Bengal:

1. Durga Puja | Celebrating the Goddess of Power

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Durga Puja, the most famous festival in West Bengal, is a spectacular celebration of Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. Known by many names, such as Durga Pujo, Akalbodhan, and Maayer Pujo, this festival transforms Bengal into a colorful, joyful place. Celebrations start with Mahalaya, followed by the main days of Shasthi to Dashami, with elaborate rituals, decorative pandals, and the immersion of clay idols. It’s a festive event that transcends religious boundaries, drawing people from all backgrounds.
When to Celebrate: October 9 – October 13, 2024

2. Jamai Shashti | Celebrating Son-in-law

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Celebrated in May or June, Jamai Shashti honors the bond between a male father-in-law and his mother-in-law. On this day, the male mother-in-law is welcomed with traditional rituals, such as the use of tika, tying a red "shasti suto" around his waist, a sumptuous meal prepared by the mother-in-law on the occasion of Maa Shashti blessings, reflecting the warmth of Bengali family ties.
When to Celebrate: June 8, 2024

3. Charak Puja | Folk Festival of Devotion

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Celebrated in April every year, Charaka Puja is a unique rural festival celebrated by the tribes of West Bengal. Devotees dressed as deities like Shiva and Parvati perform rigorously and boldly on bamboo terraces. Charaka Puja, known for its extreme devotion, is a symbol of faith, endurance and strength, and its participants do not seem to get hurt even when they fall on sharp objects.
When to Celebrate: April 13, 2024

4. Poush Sankranti | Welcoming the Harvest Season

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Makar Sankranti, known locally as Poush Sankranti, marks the start of the harvest season in January. Celebrations across Bengal vary, with Gangasagar Mela at the Ganga and Bay of Bengal confluence and the Joydev Mela at Kenduli in honor of the poet Jaydev. Tribal communities celebrate Tusu, while the famous Poush Mela at Shantiniketan showcases Bengal’s folk culture with music, crafts, and dance.
When to Celebrate: January 15, 2024

5. Poila Baisakh | Bengali New Year

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In the Bengali calendar, Poila Baisakh or Nabo Barsho is the new year that is celebrated on the 14th of April. Since this day is dedicated to family get-togethers, fairs and delicacies, it is also imperative that all traders begin new books for maintaining their accounts, which is popularly called "Halkhata". People don new clothes, decorate homes with rangoli, and offer prayers for prosperity.
When to Celebrate: April 14, 2024

6. Rath Yatra | The Journey of Lord Jagannath

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Rath Yatra, one of the oldest religious fairs in India, celebrates Lord Jagannath with week-lengthy processions in locations like Kolkata and Hooghly. The idols of Jagannath, Balram and Subhadra are placed on gigantic chariots and the devotees pull the ropes affixed to the chariot in the act of welcoming the chariots.
When to Celebrate: July 7, 2024

7. Saraswati Puja | Worship of Knowledge and Learning

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Saraswati Puja, held between January and February, is celebrated by Bengalis as a day dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. Known as Vasant Panchami in other parts of India, this festival is a day for students to start their academic journey with blessings from the goddess. Decorated idols of Saraswati and brightly dressed devotees are a common sight.
When to Celebrate: February 14, 2024

8. Lakshmi Puja | The Festival of Wealth

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One week after Vijay Dashmi comes Lakshmi Puja which is celebrated in honor of goddess Lakshmi known for wealth and prosperity. People from every corner of the world comes to Bengal to attend this great festival. All the homes and temples are well lit and pujas are performed in the respect of the goddess.
When to Celebrate: October 16, 2024

9. Chhath Puja | Devotion to the Sun God

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Chhath Puja is a Vedic festival dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Observed by taking holy dips and offering prayers to the rising and setting sun, this festival is believed to bring blessings of health and prosperity. It’s one of the oldest Hindu festivals, symbolizing gratitude to the sun for sustaining life on earth.
When to Celebrate: November 5 – November 8, 2024

10. Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival | Celebrating Tea and Tourism

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Held in the scenic city of Darjeeling, the Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival is a joint effort by the Tourism Departments of West Bengal, Sikkim, and the Indian Government. This annual festival celebrates Darjeeling’s famous tea culture through folk songs, dances and local traditions, attracting visitors from all over the world.
When to Celebrate: November-December (exact date varies)

Conclusion

Festivals in West Bengal are rich in scenic beauty, culture and lifestyle that reflects the diverse cultural tribes of the region. Durga puja is performed in the most magnificent way and charak puja has its own set of interesting practices, every festival provides a glimpse of the thick cultural and religious tapestry that Bengal is known for. There is no better way to understand the inner workings of West Bengal than by taking part in these exuberant celebrations.

FAQs

Q1. What do you think is the most significant festival in West Bengal?
A1. Durga Puja is the most known and significant one among all the festivals which are observed in West Bengal. The festival is observed with great pomp and reverence as it represents the triumph of righteousness over malevolence.

Q2. In terms of culture and traditions, which festival region wise is more celebrated in West Bengal?
A2. Bengali celebrates Durga Puja as the most awaited and important festival of the year in West Bengal which is full of intricate customs, artistic representations, songs and dances.

Q3. What is the most widespread trade fair in West Bengal?
A3. Ganga Sagar Mela which takes place at the confluence of Ganga and the Bay of Bengal is the largest fair in the state of West Bengal where numerous devotees come to take a holy dip in the water on the festival of Makar Sankranti.