Kolkata unfolds diversified cultural heritage and significance for which the city is quoted as the "Cultural capital of India". The unique culture of Kolkata upholds the very spirit of Kolkata as a breeding ground of the literary and the artistic thoughts. It is not only the intellectual life, but also the social life and the style of living of the Kolkatans murmurs the culture of Kolkata.

In the social life of Kolkata, the "Para" culture shares a significant position. The Kolkatans represent a strong sense of community. Normally every Para has a clubroom or the community hall and a playground. "Adda" is an inseparable part of Para. People habitually indulge in "Adda" or leisurely chat, which includes almost everything from, outrageous slander to witty banter and limericks.

Religious antiquity shares a significant part in the cultural heritage of Kolkata. The majestic buildings across the city of Kolkata, adorned with the Gothic, Baroque, Roman, Oriental and Indo-Islamic motifs, utters the fact that Kolkata was once colonized by those civilizations and religious groups. Kolkata shares the status of a multi-ethnic city till date.

The colonial buildings, which are still being maintained, have been declared "heritage structures". The Indian Museum, established in 1841 with a vast collection of antique Indian History and pieces of art, attributed cultural heritage to Kolkata. The Victoria Memorial hall, one of the famous tourist spot reveals the British culture, once prevalent in Kolkata. The National Library (leading public library in India) and the Academy of Fine arts and the art galleries, are the representation of the indigenous culture of Kolkata.

Drama or Theatre and jatra, constitute the cultural institution of Kolkata. But with the days going the cultural interest in Kolkata is shifted to the films and the daily soaps. The Hollywood and the Bollywood Movies are in great demand among the youngsters. Tollygunj in Kolkata is the abode of the Bengali Film Making industry "Tollywood".

The food habits are the key elements to denote the essentially Bengali Culture of Kolkata. The principal items of the Kolkata cuisine mainly include rice and fish curry, locally called "macher jhol". The local dresses distinctly designed denote the local culture and custom of Kolkata.

Durga Puja is the most notable religious and social festival in Kolkata. The festivals of other communities sharing an equal importance epitomize the multi-ethnic culture of Kolkata. The cultural festivals like the Book Fair, Dover Lane Music Festival, Kolkata film Festival and National Theater Festival, which fetch a group of populace belonging to different sects. These festivals unfold the mixed culture off Kolkata Cosmopolitan.