Cultural festivals and events:
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Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF): Held in the second week of January, KIFF is one of the most prestigious film festivals in India. It showcases a diverse range of films from around the world, including independent, foreign, and mainstream productions.
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Gangasagar Mela: This is a Hindu pilgrimage festival held on the banks of the holy river Ganges at Gangasagar, about 100 kilometers from Kolkata. It is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, with millions of devotees attending each year.
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Makar Sankranti: This festival is celebrated on January 14th and marks the beginning of spring. It is a time for feasting, kite flying, and exchanging gifts.
Weather In Kolkata During January
The weather in Kolkata, India during January is generally pleasant and mild, with warm days and cool nights. Here are the typical weather conditions you can expect during this month:
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Temperature:
- Average high temperature: 22-23°C (71-73°F)
- Average low temperature: 13-14°C (55-57°F)
- Daily average temperature: 18-19°C (64-66°F)
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Humidity:
- Humidity levels are generally high throughout the month, averaging around 70-80%.
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Rainfall:
- January is a relatively dry month in Kolkata, with an average rainfall of around 10-15 millimeters (0.4-0.6 inches).
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Sunshine:
- Kolkata enjoys an average of 6-7 hours of sunshine per day in January.
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Clouds:
- Cloud cover is typically moderate, with partly cloudy or overcast conditions.
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Wind:
- Wind speeds are generally moderate, with an average wind speed of around 15-20 kilometers per hour (9-12 miles per hour).
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Nights:
- Nights in Kolkata during January are cool, with temperatures dropping to around 13-14°C (55-57°F).
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Overall:
- The weather in Kolkata during January is pleasant and mild, with warm days and cool nights. It’s a great time to visit the city and explore its many attractions.
Things To Do In Kolkata In January
- Basanta Panchami:
- Celebrated in January or February, this festival marks the arrival of spring and is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and arts.
- People offer yellow flowers, especially mustard flowers, to the goddess and seek blessings for wisdom and creativity.
- Cultural programs, music, and dance performances are held in various parts of the city.
- Poush Mela:
- Held in January, this week-long fair is one of the largest and oldest fairs in West Bengal.
- It takes place on the banks of the Ganges River in the Dakshineswar area of Kolkata.
- The fair features a wide variety of stalls selling traditional food, handicrafts, and other items.
- Cultural programs, music, and dance performances are also held during the fair.
- Kolkata International Book Fair:
- This annual book fair is held in January and is one of the largest book fairs in the world.
- It features a wide variety of books from all over the world, as well as cultural programs, author talks, and literary events.
- The fair is a popular event for book lovers and attracts visitors from all over India and beyond.
- Victoria Memorial Hall Exhibition:
- The Victoria Memorial Hall is a grand marble building located in the heart of Kolkata.
- It houses a museum that displays a collection of historical artifacts, paintings, and sculptures related to the British Raj and Indian independence movement.
- In January, the museum often hosts special exhibitions on various topics, which can be of interest to visitors.
- Tram Ride:
- Kolkata is known for its iconic tram system, which is one of the oldest in the world.
- Taking a tram ride is a unique way to explore the city and see some of its historic landmarks and neighborhoods.
- The trams are decorated with colorful lights and bells, and the journey offers a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage.
Tourism In Kolkata, India During January
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The Kolkata International Film Festival: Held in January every year, this prestigious film festival showcases a diverse range of films from around the world, with a special focus on independent and arthouse cinema.
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The Kolkata Book Fair: Known as the world’s largest book fair, this event is a book lover’s paradise, featuring over 2,000 stalls showcasing books in various languages.
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The Gangasagar Mela: This annual pilgrimage fair attracts millions of devotees who gather at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal to take a holy dip and offer prayers.
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The Victoria Memorial Hall: This iconic building houses a museum dedicated to the British Raj in India. The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, documents, and artifacts that provide insights into the history of Kolkata and its role in the Indian independence movement.
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The Indian Museum: Founded in 1814, this is one of the oldest and largest museums in India. The museum’s collection includes a wide range of exhibits, including Egyptian mummies, fossils, dinosaur bones, and artifacts from various ancient civilizations.
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The Kalighat Temple: Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, this historic temple is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Kolkata. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and its colorful atmosphere, especially during festivals.
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The Howrah Bridge: This iconic cantilever bridge is a symbol of Kolkata and one of the longest bridges of its kind in the world. The bridge offers stunning views of the city and the Hooghly River.
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The Eden Gardens: Home to the Kolkata Knight Riders cricket team, this stadium is a popular venue for cricket matches. The stadium can accommodate over 60,000 spectators and is known for its lively atmosphere.
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The Park Street Cemetery: This historic cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures from Kolkata’s past. The cemetery is known for its ornate tombs and monuments, and it offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
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The Botanical Gardens: Established in 1787, these gardens are home to a wide variety of plants and trees, including the famous Great Banyan Tree, which is said to be the largest tree in the world.