Confused of what to do in Kolkata then visitors not be so confused as Kolkata is a city famous everywhere because of the cultural activities conducted in the city. The book fair of Kolkata attracts literature lovers from all around. The way the Durga Puja festival celebrated in Kolkata is marvelous and is one of the most extraordinary events of the country. Each and every place of the city of joy, Kolkata lights up with imaginative and artistic durga pandals and enthusiastic celebrations.
There are several other festivals and events of Kolkata which are celebrated in the city and are Kali puja, Dol Purnima a form of Holi, Poila Baisakh and Bhai Phota. These festivals let you know the culture of this eye-catching city. Below mentioned are some of the activities to do in Kolkata:
| Activity |
Description |
Recommended Time |
Location |
| Visit Victoria Memorial |
Explore the grand white-marble structure dedicated to Queen Victoria, surrounded by lush gardens and a museum inside. |
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Maidan, Central Kolkata |
| Take a Tram Ride |
Experience Kolkata's vintage charm with a slow-paced ride through colonial streets in Asia’s oldest tram system. |
Morning or Late Afternoon |
Esplanade, Shyambazar, Ballygunge |
| Watch Sunset at Princep Ghat |
Enjoy serene riverside views and boat rides along the Hooghly River beneath the heritage monument. |
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM |
Babu Ghat, Kolkata |
| Explore Indian Museum |
One of the oldest museums in India, home to ancient fossils, mummies, and rare antiques. |
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Monday) |
Jawaharlal Nehru Road |
| Street Food Trail |
Taste local delicacies like Kathi rolls, Puchkas, Jhalmuri, and Mishti Doi on Kolkata’s busy food lanes. |
Evening (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM) |
Park Street, Vivekananda Park, Gariahat |
| Book Browsing at College Street |
Walk through Asia’s largest book market and enjoy coffee at the historic Indian Coffee House. |
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
College Street, Central Kolkata |
| Attend a Cultural Show at Rabindra Sadan |
Catch a live Bengali play, music concert, or film screening in the city’s prime cultural center. |
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Rabindra Sadan, AJC Bose Road |
| Visit Kalighat Temple |
One of the 51 Shakti Peeths, this sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Kali is a vital spiritual destination. |
6:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM |
Kalighat, South Kolkata |
| Relax at Eco Park |
Spend a day in nature, cycling, boating, or exploring miniatures of world wonders at this urban park. |
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Closed Monday) |
New Town, Rajarhat |
| Take a River Cruise on the Hooghly |
Board a motorized boat for a panoramic sunset cruise offering views of colonial buildings and bridges. |
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM |
Millennium Park Jetty or Princep Ghat |
Bhai Phota Festival in Kolkata, India
Bhai Phota and Bhai Dhooj are one and the same as both happen on the same day. In Kolkata Bhai Dhooj is celebrated with the name of Bhai Phota. On this very day sisters fast for the good luck, success, prosperity and health of their brother and in return, the brother assures her life time protection.
Book Fair of Kolkata, India
Started by Guild one of the Kolkata Publishers and Booksellers’ in 1976, Kolkata Book fair is the most famous book fair in the city. A fair of 12 days which starts from the last Wednesday of January, is held at Kolkata Maidan. The collection mainly comprises of English and Bengali books.
Poila Baisakh in Kolkata, India
Poila Baisakh a Bengali New Year celebrated in mid-April. (Baisakh) which is the first month of Bengali calendar is considered auspicious for marriages, etc. The Bengali New Year celebration is popularly known as ‘Poila Baisakh’ According to Bengali’s poila means first and Baisakh means the first month in Bengali Calendar. It’s the first day of the Bengali New Year, which usually falls in mid-April every year.
Timings for Poila Baisakh in Kolkata
This festival falls in the second week of April every year.
Durga Pooja in Kolkata, India
The nine days festival Durga Puja is the most popular and celebrated festival of Kolkata is celebrated with great splendor and passion across the city. Durga Puja is the festival which marks the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasur is celebrated between the months of September and October. In other parts of India Durga Pooja is celebrated as Navratri. Dussehra is the conclusion or termination of Durga Pooja.
Timings for Durga Pooja in Kolkata
This festival is celebrated between the months of September and October.
Kali Pooja in Kolkata, India
Kali Pooja is celebrated in the honor of Goddess Kali. It is a celebration for the destruction of evil and for this a grand pooja is conducted at midnight. Kali Pooja happens together with Diwali which is celebrated in other parts of the country. This festival is generally celebrated in the months of October or November.
Timings for Kali Pooja in Kolkata
This festival is generally celebrated in the months of October or November.