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Cultural Festivals: February is a great time to experience the rich cultural heritage of Kolkata. The city hosts several festivals and events during this month, including the Kolkata International Film Festival, the Kolkata Book Fair, and the Basant Panchami festival.
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Moderate Temperature: February brings pleasant weather to Kolkata, with average temperatures ranging from 17 to 28 degrees Celsius (63 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). This makes it an ideal time to explore the city’s many attractions without having to deal with extreme heat or cold.
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Lower Tourist Crowds: February is generally a less crowded time in Kolkata compared to other months, especially during the winter holidays. This means that you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s attractions without having to deal with large crowds of tourists.
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Affordable Accommodation: During the off-season, hotels and guesthouses in Kolkata often offer lower rates than during the peak tourist season. This makes it a great time to visit the city if you’re on a budget.
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Shopping: February is a great time to shop for souvenirs and traditional Bengali handicrafts in Kolkata. The city is home to several markets and shopping districts where you can find a wide range of goods, from clothing and jewelry to spices and sweets.
Weather In Kolkata During February
The weather in Kolkata, India during February is typically pleasant, with warm days and cool nights.
- Average Temperature: The average temperature in Kolkata in February is around 25°C (77°F). The maximum temperature can reach up to 30°C (86°F), while the minimum temperature can drop to 15°C (59°F).
- Humidity: The humidity levels in Kolkata during February are generally high, averaging around 70%.
- Rainfall: February is a relatively dry month in Kolkata, with an average rainfall of only about 15 mm (0.6 inches).
- Wind: The wind speeds in Kolkata in February are moderate, averaging around 10 km/h (6 mph).
- Sunshine: Kolkata receives an average of 6-7 hours of sunshine per day in February.
Overall, the weather in Kolkata during February is favorable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The warm days and cool nights make it a pleasant time to visit the city.
Things To Do In Kolkata In February
- International Kolkata Book Fair: Held annually in February, the Kolkata Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in the world. It showcases a wide variety of books from all over the world, as well as cultural programs, seminars, and workshops.
- Vasant Panchami: Celebrated in February, Vasant Panchami marks the arrival of spring. It is a festival associated with the Hindu goddess Saraswati, who is the goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts. On this day, people offer prayers to Saraswati and seek her blessings for success in their studies and careers.
- Holi: Celebrated in February or March, Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is also known as the “festival of colors,” as people throw colored powder and water at each other on this day.
- Dol Jatra: Also known as the “Swing Festival,” Dol Jatra is a Bengali festival that celebrates the arrival of spring. It is observed on the full moon day of the Bengali month of Falgun. On this day, people make swings from ropes and branches and sing and dance around them.
- Kolkata International Film Festival: Held annually in February, the Kolkata International Film Festival showcases a diverse selection of films from all over the world. It is one of the oldest film festivals in India and attracts a large number of film enthusiasts every year.
Tourism In Kolkata, India During February
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The Kolkata International Film Festival: Held annually in February, this festival showcases a diverse range of films from around the world, including feature films, documentaries, and short films.
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The Kolkata Book Fair: Known as the largest book fair in India, the Kolkata Book Fair is a month-long event held annually in February. It attracts millions of visitors and features a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and academic texts.
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The Gangasagar Mela: This annual pilgrimage takes place at Sagardwip, a small island at the confluence of the Ganges and Bay of Bengal. Millions of Hindu pilgrims gather to take a holy dip in the Ganges and offer prayers to Goddess Ganga.
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The Vasant Panchami Festival: Celebrated in February or March, this festival marks the arrival of spring. People wear yellow clothes, fly kites, and enjoy traditional sweets and delicacies.
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Cultural Performances: Kolkata is known for its rich cultural heritage and offers a variety of cultural performances throughout the year. In February, visitors can enjoy traditional Bengali dance and music performances, as well as theater and puppet shows.
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Museum Visits: Kolkata is home to several museums, including the Indian Museum, which is the largest museum in India, and the Victoria Memorial, a grand monument that houses a collection of historical artifacts. Visitors can explore these museums to learn more about the history and culture of Kolkata and India.
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Heritage Walks: Kolkata offers heritage walks that take visitors through the city’s historic neighborhoods, such as the Bow Barracks and the Armenian Ghat. These walks provide an opportunity to learn about the city’s past and admire its architectural heritage.
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Shopping: Kolkata is a great place to shop for traditional Indian textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Visitors can explore the bustling markets of the city, such as the New Market and Gariahat Market, to find a variety of goods.
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Food: Kolkata is known for its delicious food, including traditional Bengali dishes such as fish curry, biriyani, and sweets like rasgulla and mishti doi. Visitors can enjoy these delicacies at local restaurants or street food stalls.