Story by: Aditi Singh
I find myself to be a free traveller who has always been fascinated by the richness of Indian culture. Being a native of Rajasthan, I did not know what to expect from my upcoming journey to Kolkata. I was literally taking a journey from west to the east of India.
I am lucky enough to have visited the vibrant streets of Kolkata and enjoy the soulful traditions in this city of joy. I was more than ready to explore the wonders that awaited me.
In 2021, I had a chance to visit Kolkata for two days. Though it was a work-related visit, I knew I was also ready to know Kolkata more personally. As I stopped on the bustling streets of Kolkata, I was immediately captivated by the energy that filled the air.
The city seemed to hum with life, its streets adorned with colonial architecture, colourful trams, and the bustling crowds. This city is historical, and its cultural heritage was evident at every turn.
My first stop was the iconic Howrah Bridge, an architectural marvel of this city. I got really excited when I watched the endless stream of people, bicycles, and rickshaws crossing the bridge, creating a symphony of movement. It was a testament to the city’s spirit of resilience and its ability to seamlessly blend the old and the new.
Someone has suggested me to visit the famous Kalighat Temple dedicated to the fierce goddess Kali. As I entered the temple premises, I was enveloped by an atmosphere of devotion and faith.
The air was filled with the fragrance of incense and the sound of chants, creating a serene ambiance that touched my soul. I prayed for a few minutes and stepped out of the temple to walk down the local streets.
In the heart of Kolkata, I found myself surrounded by the intellectual and artistic vibrancy of College Street. Lined with bookstores and educational institutions, it was a haven for scholars, poets, and thinkers. Though I’m not very studious or a book lover, I still enjoyed being surrounded by books and smell of pages.
As I walked a little further, I saw a small ground where a friendly game of cricket was being played by a group of enthusiastic youngsters. The sound of laughter and the cheering from the crowd created an electric atmosphere. I was overjoyed and started cheering for my newfound friends, united by the love for the game.
In the evening, I knew I had to visit the Park Street, where the city’s culinary delights awaited. The aroma of street food tantalised my senses. Just then, a woman, who was a native of the city, saw my confused face and offered to help me. Her name was Debita.
I agreed to be guided through this beautiful street and taste some mouth-watering delicacies like puchka, kathi rolls, and mishti doi. With each bite, I tasted the flavours of Kolkata and understood why this city is a food lover’s paradise. Interestingly, Debita and I both had similar food preferences and so it was easier for her too to become my food guide.
However, she was not just my food guide, she also shared some local stories from Kolkata with me – stories about history, culture, local people, and some bits of politics.
Debita also introduced me to a few sweet vendors that served some amazing Bengali sweets. We both ate mishti doi (a fermented sweet doi or yogurt originating from the Bengal region of the Indian subcontinent). It was one of the best sweet yogurts I’ve ever tasted in life. I promised the sweet shop owner to come back again the next day to get some sweets packed for my family.
Meeting Debita felt like I found a new sister in a new city. After spending almost three hours together, we bid each other goodbye.
The next day, I quickly completed some official work in the morning. As the day progressed, I ate some rolls and packed some sweets for my family before boarding my flight in the evening. Kolkata embraced me with open arms.
From its majestic landmarks to its intellectual pursuits, the city of joy had woven a spell that has left a lasting impression on my soul and surely made me joyful.
This journey not only broadened my horizons but it has also deepened my appreciation for the diverse cultural heritage of India.
Aditi works at a marketing consultancy in Jaipur. She is a keen traveller and enjoys the richness of Indian diversity. She knows how to make her way to her next journey. While she enjoys experimenting with different cuisines, she loves cooking and preparing dishes too. She’s a music lover and keeps humming her favourite tunes every now and then.
