Harbinger of the harvest season, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Poush Sankranti with a unique style in West Bengal. Different parts of the state celebrate Makar Sankranti in its own style and names. Every year Gangasagar Mela is organized in Gangasagar which is closest to the confluence, where the Ganga joins the Bay of Bengal. A large number of people congregate here to take a holy dip at the confluence and purge themselves of sins. Joydev Mela is famous as itinerant singers from West Bengal and various parts of the country gather at Joydev Kenduli for an annual meet.
It is believed that the author of Geeta Govindam, Joydev was born here and therefore the annual fair is organized in his honor. Tusu is a unique harvest festival that is celebrated by the tribal community of West Bengal. After a month-long culmination, the fair is organized in Deulghata and women sing folk songs in honor of the Goddess. In Darjeeling, it is celebrated as Magey Sankranti. Also, Poush Mela, which is the biggest extravaganza in West Bengal after Durga Puja is organized at Shantiniketan in the last week of December every year. Local artisans and tourists from all over the world come together to celebrate the spirit of folk culture in West Bengal. Apart from a rampant display of folk dances, music, and exquisite culture, one can find scrumptious food, leather bags, earthenwares, paintings in the fair. well organized by West Bengal Tourism, this festival is worth exploring.