K for KOLKATA

I am so fond of Kolkata that whenever the alphabet K strikes my mind, that I cannot think of any other proper noun but Kolkata. It is called as the Indian city of joy. Now what do you equate your joy with? It depends. Most of the times, for me, its food.

         Gastronomic gluttons can consider Kolkata as their place of pilgrimage. From ‘baked rosogolla’ to ‘shor bhaja’, ‘mishti doi’ to ‘Nolen gur er shondesh’, ‘Joy nagar er mua’ to ‘Jol bhora shondesh’, ‘Bhapa illish’ to ‘Daab chingri’, ‘Bhetki r paaturi’ to ‘Pabdaar jhaal’. Every delicacy is tongue titillating.

      Kolkata being the capital of India during the British occupied period has an European feel, architectural construction in some of its old buildings. There are very many places to see in Kolkata – The Indian Museum, The Victoria memorial, Vidyasagar Setu, The Howrah Bridge, Princep Ghat, Rabindra Setu, Science City, Belur Math, Dhakineshwar temple,etc. to name a few.

          A few hours drive from Kolkata can lead one into the lap of nature. One can enjoy the pleasures of the sea in Mandarmani or Digha. One can also visit The Shantiniketan, a small town near Bolpur, which, used to be the abode of the great Nobel laureate and National Anthem composer, Rabindranath Tagore. Birbhum district where it is located is also famous for Tarapith, a religious shrine.

         Kolkata does have its surreal experiences. The sultry summer, the unbearable humidity and a suffocating crowd does make the travelling a bit uncomfortable. Winter, autumn or spring could be a better option to visit. Kolkata can be best enjoyed during the auspicious and grand celebrations of Durga Puja. The city adorns a festive look where all the citizens are in a great state of zeal and mirth. The pomp and the grandeur of the pandals, the frenzied shopaholics, the sound of dhol  and conch shells fill the air with gaiety and enthusiasm. Nowhere in the world does this Puja exist in such a heightened form. Local buses, auto- rickshaws, metro trains, city buses are cheap means of transport within the city.  

           Kolkata is one of few Indian cities where the predominant population is Bengali and the game of football holds a special place in the heart of its citizens. Kolkata is also famous for low priced clothes and accessories. Though the recent the trend of Mall culture has sprung up yet the heart of shopping still lies in Gariahat, New market, Shyam Bazar, etc. Tourist travelling to Kolkata must stack their wardrobe with Bengali range of sarees like Taat, Kaatha stitch, etc. and a Pyajama Punjabi.

         To describe experiences from Kolkata in a few paragraphs is really a ticklish job. It’s better be experienced rather than read. So, for once in lifetime do come to Kolkata. Shop, eat or pray but you will definitely be joyous in this ‘City of Joy’.