Fairs of Kolkata, West Bengal, form a significant part of the socio cultural heritage of the state. These annual fairs encompass a vast variety of exhibitions which in addition to enriching the culture of West Bengal, also provides a platform to showcase the talents of various artists. These fairs also help greatly in promoting the trade of small as well as large scale industries and allure a number of participants from different parts of the world. Previously most of the fairs of Kolkata were organized in the largest urban park of Kolkata, called Maidan, but later the venue was shifted to Milan Mela. Various cultural programs are organized in these fairs along with seminars, health camps, awareness programs and many other activities. Fairs of Kolkata offers a distinct flavour of Bengal by focussing on its special cultural aspects and attracts a huge number of visitors from all around the globe.

Kolkata Book Fair
Kolkata book fair, organized every year in the month of January, is accredited as the largest book fair in Asia. The year 1976 marks the initiation of this fair which gather international participants from all around the globe. Organized by Publishers and Book Sellers Guild, the fair is esteemed for enriching academic tradition of Bengal and providing an opportunity to explore the socio cultural heritage of different nations through the plethora of books displayed in the stalls of various publishers. It is a week long event and serves as a paradise for book lovers.

Handloom Expo
Handloom Expo is organized in every alternate year by the State Government with the support of Central Government. Initiated in 1982, this 21 days event provides an excellent opportunity to the people for exploring exquisite and unique range of handloom products as well as to the participants to showcase their beautiful products. In the fair, the participants are grouped in broad categories according to the type of products. It is held in the months of December-January.

Vidyasagar Mela
Vidyasagar Mela is another significant fair of Kolkata which is celebrated in the memory of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. Held in the month of December-January, the fair focuses on spreading his social messages in the society and showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of the state. It also comprises health camps and seminars. Initiated in 1994, Vidyasagar Mela mainly started as a part of social welfare for spreading awareness in the society through the systematic spread of education and various development programs. Cultural programs such as extempore, drawing, song, dance etc are also organized in the fair.

Lexpo Fair
Lexpo fair, in 1977, was initiated by the Indian Leather Technology Association for providing a platform for the both small and large leather industries to showcase their products. Organized in December-January, the fair gathers stupendous range of leather products form different parts of the nation. It plays a vital role in promoting the small scale industries and creating awareness among people about the utility of leather products.

Crafts Bazaar
Crafts Bazaar is held in the month of January with the aim of providing a fair opportunity to the small scale industries and poor craftsmen to exhibit their products. The fair invites artisans from different parts of the world and constitutes various stalls and pavilions showcasing a wide array of handicrafts including handmade jewellery, decorative items, bed linens, clothing, crockery etc. The fair continues for about two weeks.

Sonar Sansar
Sonar Sansar is a fair cum exhibition which provides an excellent opportunity to the jewellery designers and houses to showcase their magnificent gold ornaments. The year 1997 marks the beginning of this fair. Organized by Swarna Bachao Committee under the sponsorship of the World Gold Council and is supported by Exponent Associates (P) Ltd. It is held in the months of March-April.

Kolkata International Film Festival
Kolkata International Film Festival, organized every year in the month of November, is one of the grand events of the city. The event is greatly cherished by the movie lovers and showcases various national and international movies, theatres, book bazaars, exhibitions and seminars. The event takes places in a number of venues.

India Industrial Trade Fair
India Industrial Trade Fair is organized every year in Kolkata and invites the participation of numerous enterprises from different sectors. The active participation of the SAARC members viz. Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan form an alluring feature of the fair. It also invites other foreign countries to participate in the fair for promoting their trade.

Banga Sanskriti Sammelan
Banga Sanskriti Sammelan is a fifteen day event which exhibits the varied aspects of the rich cultural heritage of Bengal. Performances from both urban and rural areas grace this fair.