Pujas, Kirtans & Spiritual Gatherings in Kolkata

Kolkata's spiritual life centres on the goddess and on the Ramakrishna movement. The Kalighat temple, a Shakti Peeth whose present building dates from 1809, and the Dakshineswar Kali temple, built by Rani Rashmoni in 1855, draw their biggest crowds on Kali Puja night, 8 November in 2026, and on Poila Boishakh. Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission across the river, is known for its Durga Puja, the Kumari Puja on Ashtami and the birth anniversaries of Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi and Vivekananda. The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture at Golpark holds regular discourses. The wider calendar includes Rath Yatra, Janmashtami, Chhath on the Hooghly ghats on 15 and 16 November 2026, Christmas services at St Paul's Cathedral and the mid-January Gangasagar pilgrimage, which passes through the city. Most events are free.