5 Things That Make Kolkata The City of Joy

When was the last time you took a stroll through the lanes of the city of joy? When was the last time you just stopped for a moment, looked around and let the beauty sink in? Amidst the cacophony of everyday life, most of us have forgotten what Kolkata actually means to us. Yet, there are some things about this city, things that are not found anywhere else, that strike a chord ever time you think about them.

Whether you’re Bong or Bangali, or you prefer Calcutta or Kolkata, you simply cannot miss out on these five things that are unique to this magnificent city.

1) Coffee House er Adda

That big white building with old, wooden staircases stained with betel nut juice. The intoxicating smell of infusion and cigarettes. The favourite “adda” spot for some of the most intellectual minds of the country like Satyajit Ray and Goutam Chattopadhyay. That is Coffee House for you.

2) Park Street

If its a taste of city life you’re looking for, Park Street is the place to be. It is the hub of some of the best restaurants and cafés in Kolkata like Flurys, Peter Cat, Bar-b-Que, Magnolia, Mocambo etc. Also, let’s not forget, Park Street and Christmas go hand in hand.

3) The Ghaats by the Ganges

Princep Ghaat is the most popular ghaat there. The greenery, the glistening rays of the sun, the cool breeze and an incredible view of the Howrah Bridge- these are enough to mesmerize those who are constantly searching for beauty in the hustle and bustle of city life

4) Machh, Mishti and More

The people who love to eat are the best people. This describes Bengalis more than anything else. Good food – that’s all what they really want. And there is much more to Bengali cuisine than just mishti doi! Be it Ilish machh, puchhka, or nolen gur er mishti in the winter, you cannot miss out on these if you’re a resident of the city of joy.

5) Durga Pujo

It’ll be a crime to not mention Durga Pujo while talking about Kolkata. In fact, Bengalis plan their year around these five days of pure, unadulterated fun, good food, pandal hopping and adda- that more or less sums up what Durga Pujo in Kolkata is really like.

You can take the person out of Kolkata, but you can never take Kolkata out of that person. No matter where you go, you’ll carry along with you the little things that make this city your Kolkata.

Picture Courtesy- Google Images