What is the Holi celebration in West Bengal called?

The Holi celebration in West Bengal is called Dol Jatra. It is also written as Dolyatra or Dol Purnima, reflecting the festival’s association with a ceremonial swing procession.

The name comes from the Sanskrit dola, meaning “swing,” and yatra, meaning “procession” or “journey.” During the observance, images of Radha and Krishna are placed on decorated swings or carried in processions. Devotees offer prayers, sing devotional songs and apply coloured powder.

Dol Jatra is especially associated with Vaishnava traditions in Bengal, including celebrations connected with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In many places, it overlaps with the wider spring festival of Holi, but the Bengali name and rituals give it a distinct regional identity.

A common mix-up is to treat Dol Jatra as another name for every Bengali festival. Kali Puja, Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja are separate religious observances, held at different times and dedicated to different deities.