Events & Festivals in West Bengal

Chhath is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya, primarily observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. Celebrated over four days, it involves strict fasting, offering prayers to the rising and setting sun, and taking holy dips in rivers. Devotees seek health, prosperity, and well-being for their families.

Jagannath Rath Yatra Festival

The Puri Rath Yatra is a grand annual chariot festival in Odisha, where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken in massive wooden chariots from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple. Millions of devotees gather to pull the chariots, seeking divine blessings and salvation.

Hijri New Year (Al-Hijra) Event

In India, Hijri New Year (1st Muharram) is observed by Muslim communities, but the main public observance is on the 10th day of Muharram (Ashura). The way it is marked varies across different states, with Shia and Sunni communities observing it differently.

Nowruz Festival

Nowruz, or the Persian New Year, marks the beginning of spring and the first day of the Iranian calendar. Celebrated by Parsis, Iranis, and some Muslim communities in India, it symbolizes renewal, prosperity, and harmony with nature.

Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Mawlid) Festival

Eid Milad-un-Nabi, or Mawlid, marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad and is observed on 12th Rabi’ al-Awwal. It is celebrated with processions, mosque illuminations, special prayers, and charity, especially in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Kolkata.

Arbaeen (Chehlum) Event

Arbaeen, or Chehlum, is observed 40 days after Ashura, marking the end of the mourning period for Imam Hussain. It is a solemn religious occasion, with Majlis (sermons), mourning processions, and charity. Major observances in India occur in Lucknow, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Srinagar.

Pohela Boishakh Festival

Pohela Boishakh is the Bengali New Year, celebrated with grand processions, cultural performances, temple visits, and festive feasting in West Bengal, Bangladesh, and Bengali communities worldwide.

Shab-e-Barat Event

Shab-e-Barat, or the "Night of Forgiveness," is observed on the 15th night of Sha’ban, when Muslims pray for forgiveness, visit graveyards, and give charity. It is widely observed in Lucknow, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata with night-long prayers and community gatherings.

Basant Utsav Festival

A spring festival celebrated mainly in West Bengal, especially at Shantiniketan, Basant Utsav marks the arrival of spring with colors, music, and cultural performances. Inspired by Rabindranath Tagore, it features folk dances, songs, and kite flying, bringing communities together in joyous celebration.