…With Love, Kolkata

Kolkata! There are many views and thoughts regarding the city, in people’s minds. But those are too stereotypical and conventional. Here is a list of things one should do, when you visit Kolkata, if you want to catch the real spirit of Calcutta!

1. Baked Rasogullas

Well everyone knows about Kolkata and their love for rosogullas. But now, times have changed and people like modern twists. So the twist comes in the form of Baked Rasogullas! It is available in Balaram Mullick and Radharaman Mullick’s sweet shop, where big film stars queue up during Durga Puja to have some of their sweets which are traditional, yet unique.

The shop where they sell baked Rasogullas!

2. Adda at a tea stall

One of the favorite pastimes of Bengal, regardless of their age, is addas. Adda is nothing but meeting people in groups, generally near tea-stalls (but not necessarily) and discussing about everything from football, to philosophy, to art over cups of tea. The best part is, even the newcomers are open to join the discussion.

3. Tea

Tea is for everyone! Even if you are an introvert, you can ponder about the universe or look at the thoroughfare, lost in thoughts, while sitting on a bench, having a cup of tea in a bhaad or kulladh (earthen cup).

4. Park Street

Well, the Calcuttans might call this clichéd but I had to include Park Street, for several reasons.
a. Because it has the best fuchkas ( Bengali version of Golgappas)
b. There is a freemasons hall near “The Park”
c. Indian museum is located there and
d. Lastly because of all the food and drinking places. Hauz Khas Village, Delhi is fairly recent whereas Park Street has its charm since before independence.

Park Street

5. Taxi rides in the evenings

Take a log ride, let’s say, from Gole Park to Maidaan. It is a great way to enjoy the evening. And numbers from Kishore or Manna Dey takes the whole experience to a different level altogether.

Taxi Ride!

6. Rural Parts of the city

Many complain about Calcutta being congested and the roads not being clean. That’s because all they have been to, is old Calcutta, where you’ll find all the historical and cultural landmarks. But trust me, it is just as crowded and unclean as Chandni Chowk in Delhi or Bandra in Mumbai. So, I don’t see why people complain. Go to New town and Rajarhat to see the city spic-and-span. If you DO visit Lake Town, try coming from the route to Kestopur. You will have one of the most rejuvenating experiences of your trip. It’s filled with scenic beauty. There are many such places all around Kolkata. One of the other places is, the E.M. Bypass road, near Science City, or Subhash Sarovar in Beliaghata. The sunset is among the best, I’ve ever experienced.

Introspecting Evenings

7. Rickshaw rides

Rickshaw rides are fun, and the rickshaw pullers are the friendliest people to talk to. You will always see them smiling, and dedicated at what they do.

Richshaws!

8. Durga Puja

Once again, I have to pick up a thing, off the clichéd list, but again, not for the conventional reasons. Durga puja is celebrated all over Bengal with great Pomp-and-Show. But, this time, try to observe the efforts put in making those beautiful pandals and idols. Also observe the people, young and old, in their happiest moods, all over Bengal. And what is best than to live amongst pure happiness, for a while?

Durga Puja

9. Luchi With Dum Aaloo

Luchi with Dum Aaloo, can be called the regional breakfast of Bengal (Atleast on weekends and holidays). Luchi is a type of flour bread, which looks like pooris except, it is softer and has a filling, sometimes, like daal, or gram flour. It has many variations, like Radha-Bhallavi and Hing Kochuri, where the stuffing and the texture differs. It is often served either with Aaloor Dom (Dum Aaloo) prepared dry or in gravy, or Ghoogni, prepared with Chickpeas or yellow peas (something like Chhole, except that it is much less in richness and has a bit of tang of tamarind in it.) which complements the Loochis perfectly.

Loochi Ghugni

10. Fairs

It’s just sad how the concept of fairs is slowly depleting with time. Earlier, going to fairs, like book fairs or normal small ride- and-food fairs was the most anticipated thing for the whole week, for the kids. Now, the crowds at fairs or the fair events themselves have decreased. The balloons, the giant wheel, merry-go-rounds, the bhel-puris, jhaal muris, cotton candies and other fair-foods. Everything is slowly being forgotten. But in Kolkata, you would still find the zeal and enthusiasm of visiting the fair. You will still see children, playing with zeal and indulging in the fun activities.

Giant wheel in fairs

Apart from these, the place is full of book lovers and music lovers. They say, there isn’t a book that can’t be found in College Street, you just have to know where to look. For those people who still have inhibitions, it’s time to give Kolkata a second thought and Calcutta, a second chance.

Rickshaw lights