LocationWest Bengal, in the east of India.
Dialling code91.
Population4.5 million.
Time zoneGMT + 5.5.
Electricity230-240V, 50Hz; three-pin round plugs are standard (two-pin also fit). Power surges can be erratic in smaller hotels. Check if bringing laptop.
Average January temperatures26°C (78.8°F).
Average July temperatures32°C (89.6°F).
Annual rainfall1,571mm (61.9 inches).
Cost of Living:100 Indian Rupees (Rp100)
= £1.38; US$2.05; C$2.42; A$2.84; €1.51Currency conversion rates as of January 2009Special Events:Dover Lane Music ConferenceJanuary
One week of Indian classical music.
Nazrul Mancha (Rabindra Sarovar Park)
Shivaratri February/March
An all-day festival dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva, which includes meditation, praying and devotional singing.
Across the city
Dol Purnima (known as Holi in other parts of India)
February/March
Celebrates the onset of spring with general merrymaking including face painting and throwing colored water on others.
Across the city
Rath YatraJune/July
Krishna devotees haul chariots through the streets to honor Lord Jagannath.
Durga PujaSeptember/October
The biggest festival in Kolkata. There’s festive food, music, fireworks and the making (and later, immersion) of idols of the Hindu goddess Durga.
Lakshmi PujaSoon after Durga Puja, honoring the goddess of wealth (Lakshmi).
Kali PujaOctober/November
The Bengali version of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Prayers to the Hindu goddess, Kali.
Kolkata Film FestivalNovember
Major event featuring films from Bengal and around the world, talks and special screenings.
Cinemas around the city
Website:
www.kff.in
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