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Summer festivals in West Bengal are colourful and have a vibrant culture in this region. These festivals range from religious events to agricultural marts and are much more than mere events; they represent West Bengal’s culture and togetherness. When summer sets in, added colours, great music, dancing, and creativity enliven the state, making it a perfect rendezvous for discovering its culture. Below are ten major summer festivals, paying attention to the intensity of the cultural background of West Bengal, and giving glimpses into the spirited, homely, and communal celebrations.
12 Popular Summer Festivals In West Bengal
Explore the vivid and varied summer festivals in West Bengal, where the region’s dynamic cultural events and lively local celebrations bring tradition and celebration to life.
1. Durga Puja
Photo: Arghamallick5151 / Wikimedia Commons
Durga Puja, one of West Bengal’s most magnificent festivals, begins early in the summer with enormous preparations in Kolkata and the surrounding districts. Though the significant event takes place in the autumn, the summer months are filled with exciting activities such as artistic workshops for idol-making, community meetings, and cultural events. Temples and pandals begin to take shape, and enthusiasm grows as artists and artisans work on intricate decorations and ornate statues of the Goddess Durga. Durga Puja is the biggest festival in West Bengal.
Month: August to September
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2. Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra, held in the summer, is one of the popular summer festivals in West Bengal, notably in Kolkata and other large cities. This spectacular celebration recalls the chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, a deity revered in Puri’s Jagannath Temple. Hundreds of devotees pull large, artistically painted chariots bearing Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra statues through the streets during the event. The parade includes religious music, dance, and a joyful mood. Rath Yatra gathers large audiences, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm and solidarity while providing a beautiful visual celebration of devotion and culture.
Month: June to July
3. Buddha Jayanti
Photo: Suraphat Nuea-on / Pexels
Buddha Jayanti, celebrated during the summer, commemorates Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. This holiday is celebrated in West Bengal with sombre rituals and spectacular cultural festivities in Buddhist temples and monasteries. Devotees congregate for prayer gatherings, meditation sessions, and religious conversations reflecting Buddha’s teachings. Temples are decorated with flowers, and special rites are held to commemorate Buddha’s legacy. The event also includes educational discussions and cultural performances promoting peace and compassion, exemplifying Buddhism’s essential ideals.
Month: April
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4. Pohela Boishakh
Photo:NahidSultan / WIkimedia Commons
Pohela Boishakh, or Bengali New Year, is a colourful event that marks the beginning of the Bengali calendar year. This popular summer festival in West Bengal, held in mid-April, is extensively celebrated throughout, particularly in Kolkata. Colourful processions, traditional music, dancing performances, and extravagant feasts with Bengali specialities are all part of the festivities. Traditional decorations fill the streets and homes, and people wear new, brightly coloured clothing. Cultural events and fairs highlight local crafts and artwork. Pohela Boishakh is a joyous festival that promotes communal spirit, honours cultural history, and sets a positive tone for the following year.
Month: April
5. Mango Festival
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
The Mango Festival, held in the summer, showcases West Bengal’s abundant mango production, notably in places such as Malda and Murarai. This vibrant event includes activities centred on the beloved fruit, such as mango-tasting sessions where guests may try different types. The celebration includes fruit competitions, local markets with mango-based items, and cultural acts. The Mango Festival not only celebrates the season’s bounty but also promotes local agriculture and serves as a gathering place for the community to enjoy the region’s delicious delights.
Month: June to July
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6. Adivasi Mela
Photo: Prateek Pattanaik / Wikimedia Commons
The Adivasi Mela, held in the summer, is a bustling cultural event celebrating the rich legacy of West Bengal’s tribal groups, particularly in Purulia. This West Bengal summer festival honours the different customs, crafts, and lives of numerous tribes. Visitors may enjoy traditional dances, music performances, and art displays emphasising tribal culture. The mela also includes vendors selling homemade crafts, textiles, and native cuisine, providing an insight into the indigenous people’s daily existence. The Adivasi Mela promotes togetherness, cultural interaction among many communities, and admiration for indigenous art and culture.
Month: July
7. Santoshpur Mela
Santoshpur Mela, held throughout the summer in Santoshpur, Kolkata, is a vibrant local fair that draws the community together via various entertainment and cultural events. The mela includes funfair rides, food stalls selling local and traditional delicacies and a range of family activities and attractions. Cultural acts, such as music and dance, enhance the joyful atmosphere, resulting in a vivid and engaging setting. The Santoshpur Mela is a beloved festival combining fun, culture, and community spirit, making it a summertime favourite for residents and visitors.
Month: July
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8. Shivratri
Photo: Shraddhasinghuikey / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Shivratri, a prominent Hindu holiday, is observed with tremendous devotion in the state. This holy summer festival of West Bengal honours Lord Shiva and includes various religious and cultural events. Devotees fast, hold nightly vigils and worship at Shiva temples. The event consists of unique traditions, such as the ceremonial washing of Shiva lingams with milk, honey, and water. Temples are adorned with lights and flowers, and religious hymns and chanting reverberate throughout the night. Shivratri is a time for spiritual introspection and social meetings, symbolising tremendous reverence and devotion to Lord Shiva.
Month: February or March (dates vary based on lunar calendar)
9. Jorapokhar Mela
Photo: Rajdeep Das / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Jorpokhar Mela, held in the summer in Jorapokhar, Bankura, is a traditional fair filled with excitement and cultural energy. This yearly event is notable for its historical significance and vibrant atmosphere. The mela offers various activities, including conventional games, folk accomplishments, and local craft exhibitions. Visitors may enjoy a variety of food vendors serving regional cuisines and participate in community meetings. The fair also features displays that highlight the region’s rich cultural history. Jorpokhar Mela is a beloved event that draws people from many backgrounds together to celebrate local customs and develop a feeling of togetherness.
Month: July
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10. Dol Purnima
Photo: Deba Prasad Roy / Wikimedia Commons
Dol Purnima, also known as the festival of colours, is one of the most vibrant and joyous summer celebrations in West Bengal. This festival, marking the arrival of spring and the divine love of Lord Krishna and Radha, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the state. People gather to apply coloured powders on each other, sing devotional songs, and perform traditional dances. Temples, especially those dedicated to Lord Krishna, are beautifully decorated, and special pujas are conducted. The festive atmosphere, filled with music, laughter, and vibrant hues, makes Dol Purnima a delightful famous festival in West Bengal.
Month: March
11. Jamai Sasthi
Photo: Pritamdutta20 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Jamai Sasthi, a cherished summer festival in West Bengal, celebrates the special bond between a mother-in-law and her son-in-law. Rooted in Bengali traditions, this festival is marked by lavish feasts and heartfelt blessings. Families gather to honour their sons-in-law with an array of traditional dishes, showcasing Bengal’s rich culinary heritage. The occasion begins with rituals performed by the mother-in-law, invoking blessings for her son-in-law’s health and prosperity. It is also a time for family bonding, laughter, and shared joy. With its warmth, traditions, and festive spirit, Jamai Sasthi is one of the most unique cultural festivals of West Bengal.
Month: June
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12. Disum Sendra
Photo: Thakurdalan-M. / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Disum Sendra, also known as Shikar Parab, is a unique and vibrant summer festival celebrated in the Purulia district of West Bengal. This tribal hunting festival, held in the scenic Ayodhya Hills, is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Santhal community. The event marks a rite of passage for young men, symbolising their transition into adulthood. Participants, accompanied by rhythmic drumbeats and traditional dances, embark on a hunting expedition, paying homage to Mother Nature and the cycle of life. With its blend of cultural significance, tribal rituals, and the breathtaking backdrop of the Ayodhya Hills, Disum Sendra is an important festival of West Bengal.
Month: May
Summer Festivals in West Bengal showcase a complex tapestry of culture, tradition, and community spirit. Each event offers a distinct perspective on the region’s rich history, from religious festivities to colourful fairs. Plan your trip to West Bengal with TripXL to experience these vibrant events firsthand and appreciate its natural beauty. Discover travel packages and great deals to maximise your festival experience!
Cover Photo: Goutam1962 / Wikimedia Commons
