Calcutta, now known as Kolkata is the capital of the eastern Indian state of West Bengal and is located on the bank of River Hooghly. The city was initially developed by British East India Company and later became the capital of British Empire till 1911, when the capital was relocated to Delhi. The city grew rapidly in the 19th century to become the second city of the British Indian Empire. It still carries that heritage.

As I look back..

Many years back one afternoon my father announced that we were to visit Calcutta for a wedding in the family. I was ten years old then and naturally the excitement was at its peak as it was my first opportunity to visit the city. When we finally reached here and came out of Howrah station, the view of Howrah bridge was absolutely mind-boggling. It was sheer joy for me.

The wedding was enjoyable but seven days later when we were heading back, the thought of being back to our small town home in Gaya made me so happy. A town without the crowds, the long time spent on commuting, the fast pace of life and of course the pleasure of being back in the company of our goats, the other pets and my friends.

There were few more short trips that followed after this first visit. But seventeen years later I was here again, this time to take up a job and settle down in the city. And everyday that I traveled on my bike on work, I started discovering this lovely city more and more. And falling in love. With Calcutta. The ‘City of Joy’.

Come with me to fall in love. Not on my bike this time but through the eyes of this gifted artist, his brush, colors and his paintings.

The Legacy of Calcutta

Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge is a balanced cantilever bridge over the ‘Hooghly River’ and links the twin cities of Howrah and Calcutta. It was commissioned in 1943 and named the New Howrah Bridge, because it replaced a pontoon bridge at the same location and was later renamed ‘Rabindra Setu’ after the great Bengali poet and Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore.

The Trams

Calcutta is the only city in India where you can still enjoy a tram ride. They started as Horse-drawn carriages and continued from 1873–1901 and then switched over to electricity. In addition to regular services on certain routes you can enjoy an AC Tram joy ride also. For details you could connect with West Bengal Transport Corporation here. Come let’s take a ride.

The British heritage of Central Calcutta

Britain’s architectural heritage in India is concentrated in few cities but the first of them all is in Calcutta. The public buildings, churches, banks and warehouses and perhaps most of all, the ordinary street architecture of Calcutta makes a fine legacy indeed. Here are just a few examples of them. Rest is for you to explore when you are here.

North Calcutta

Kolkata was one of three villages that predated the arrival of the British, in the area where the city was eventually established. The other two villages were Satunati and Govindapur. North Calcutta was the most prominent part in those days and the charm of the area is still unmatched even after so many years. A nostalgic memory for all who were born and lived here.

The Hand Drawn Rickshaws

Do you love it? Or do you hate it? Generations after generations they have been the friend we have depended on. Times have changed but we still love them, as now they depend on us.

Victoria Memorial

One of the most popular tourist attractions, Victoria Memorial is one of the famous historical places in Calcutta. Established in 1906 by the Prince of Wales, it was built in the memory of Queen Victoria. Victoria memorial hall is also a historical place and one of the finest art museums here. Apart from being a memorial, the hall also serves as a tribute to the British Empire’s success in India. The style is a beautiful blend of British and Mughal elements. It is huge in size and features beautiful gardens which are spread over an area of 64 acres.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Popularly known as the first Episcopal Church of the Eastern world, it is the seat of the Diocese in Calcutta. One of the most historical places in the city, the building was completed in 1847 and stands 247 feet tall, 81 feet wide and 114 feet long. Once you enter the cathedral, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of its Gothic architecture. Let’s have a look.

Park Street

Starting from the 1940s through to the late 1960s, Calcutta’s prolific night life was centered around Park Street. Since the British era, with many clubs and restaurants situated here, much of Calcutta’s night life revolved around Park Street. Many noted musicians have played at various popular night spots such as Trincas, Moulin Rouge, Mocambo, Blue Fox, Oly Pub and Peter Cat in those days. You also have the Park Hotel, Oxford Bookstore and Flurys for the best cakes in town and their famed ‘English Breakfast’. Let’s take a walk.

During Christmas & New Year it’s a hot spot with the city youth and old alike pouring over to celebrate. You can hardly walk with the crowd jostling for space. For some it’s fun while for many a nightmare with hours of wait outside restaurants if you wish to dine out.

A ride around some famous neighborhoods

You can’t do without them here..

The Bong

“Bengali” is used to refer to anyone whose linguistic, cultural, family ancestral or genetic origins are from Bengal. The world loves to call us ‘Bongs‘. Over centuries Bengalis have carved out success not only for themselves but also for the state and the country. Some notable names are Swami Vivekananda, Subhas Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, Jagadish Chandra Bose, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Satyajit Ray, Amartya Sen, Sourav Ganguly to name a few.

For the common Bong though, the little pleasures of life provides immense happiness. Including the century old passion for Soccer. You are either a mad supporter of ‘East Bengal’ or ‘Mohun Bagan’.

The Bong’s Love

It’s Calcutta – There is love in the air 💕

Pujas – Time for Celebrations

Get to know this fabulous Artist ✍️

Avanish Trivedi was born and raised in Calcutta although his family originally hailed from Gujarat. His family settled here a hundred years ago. Being born here, he has a deep connect and passion for the city and all its sights. Avanish works full time at ‘Tata Consultancy Services’ in Calcutta which leaves him free only on weekends to express his nostalgia for the city through his paintings on the canvas.

Avanish was twenty-three when he started taking painting seriously although he had nurtured it passively since childhood. His grandfather used to get him sketchbooks as a child and in his youth, he frequented art exhibitions. All of this collectively inspired him to join the ‘Birla Academy of Art and Culture’ in Calcutta in 2009. And he never looked back thereafter. If you loved experiencing his Art and wish to have few of his creations framed for your home or office, you could connect with him on his mobile +91 98304 64290

Calcutta. The City of Joy. A city which brings a smile on the faces of millions of admirers around this world. Come over to experience this magical destination.

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