It's not a bad way to start blogging by writing something about your birthplace. In my case, it happens to be the 'city of joy' - Kolkata, but for some reason, I prefer calling it 'Calcutta' because it gives me a nostalgic feeling and that is what I relate to.
The first picture which comes to mind when one mentions this city is the iconic Howrah bridge stretching across the banks of the Hoogli river and trust me it's a spectacular sight. Being a former capital of India, a populous city of more than 15 crores, the local culture encompasses the cosmopolitan features plus regional norms and values. Often been dubbed as the 'Cultural Capital of India', the city is known for its literary, artistic, and revolutionary heritage.
The 'Adda' culture is one of the most integral parts of Bengali society. 'Adda' simply means a small informal gathering of people who often meet up in the evenings, have some tea, and discuss politics, sports, basically anything to everything. Be it the youth, the working class, or the senior citizens, everyone is welcome and I must add that it's a great way of sharing your thoughts and keeping in touch with everyone.
The imprints of the British Raj can easily be seen all across the city with one of the earliest and magnificent churches, museums, libraries, and universities spread all over the place. Trams, hand-driven rickshaws, metros, double-decker buses - you name it and it is there to see.
One of the best times to visit the city is during the Durga Puja. It's a carnival, one has to be there to experience it. Pandal hopping, dancing, driving through endless traffic, phuchkas, fish fry, biryani - easily the best five days of the year. It's a city full of passionate people (which furthermore adds color) - be it the relentless rush during the puja, political extremism, or madness during an East Bengal-Mohan Bagan clash, but that's all for another day.
I vowed to myself to keep it short but would not fail in mentioning the city during the monsoons. The romance and mystery attached to the rains give it a different edge altogether. It's a gift from nature to us selfish mortals.
As Kaviguru Tagore aptly penned it - "Amar Shonar Bangla", it is a city embedded in color, culture, and history.
The first picture which comes to mind when one mentions this city is the iconic Howrah bridge stretching across the banks of the Hoogli river and trust me it's a spectacular sight. Being a former capital of India, a populous city of more than 15 crores, the local culture encompasses the cosmopolitan features plus regional norms and values. Often been dubbed as the 'Cultural Capital of India', the city is known for its literary, artistic, and revolutionary heritage.
The 'Adda' culture is one of the most integral parts of Bengali society. 'Adda' simply means a small informal gathering of people who often meet up in the evenings, have some tea, and discuss politics, sports, basically anything to everything. Be it the youth, the working class, or the senior citizens, everyone is welcome and I must add that it's a great way of sharing your thoughts and keeping in touch with everyone.
The imprints of the British Raj can easily be seen all across the city with one of the earliest and magnificent churches, museums, libraries, and universities spread all over the place. Trams, hand-driven rickshaws, metros, double-decker buses - you name it and it is there to see.
One of the best times to visit the city is during the Durga Puja. It's a carnival, one has to be there to experience it. Pandal hopping, dancing, driving through endless traffic, phuchkas, fish fry, biryani - easily the best five days of the year. It's a city full of passionate people (which furthermore adds color) - be it the relentless rush during the puja, political extremism, or madness during an East Bengal-Mohan Bagan clash, but that's all for another day.
I vowed to myself to keep it short but would not fail in mentioning the city during the monsoons. The romance and mystery attached to the rains give it a different edge altogether. It's a gift from nature to us selfish mortals.
As Kaviguru Tagore aptly penned it - "Amar Shonar Bangla", it is a city embedded in color, culture, and history.
nice work....nicely described the real esscence of ou city!!! :)
ReplyDeletethanks dear....:)
ReplyDeletewisely said mr prannay, looking forward for more !!
ReplyDeletethanks :D
ReplyDelete