Tribute To The City Of Joy...

Calcutta... Modern day Kolkata.

Eastern Metro City of India lying on the banks of The Ganges and The Hoogly.

When I hear name of the city, first of all, those words of my grandmother reverberate in my ears. Since my childhood, I used to hear her saying to my father of desire to see "Kalikata", what we say in Odia for Kolkata.

Well, they all say about the crowd and hygiene, dusty streets with a view of the old tram service in the lane, crackled old buildings from British rule. What I purview is a city which has abundant ingredients for all sorts of people that prepare wonderful recipes.

They say it is polluted. Ohh!! Calcutta, who would like to plan a trip. Let’s plan somewhere else. Intellect folks here, tell me how many of our premier cities are neat and tidy, not fighting any climatic or environmental issue.

I had the privilege to experience the charm that the city of joy exhibits. As I was appearing for my competitive exams, I saw Calcutta for first time in 2006. Outside Howrah station, there I witnessed the "Ravindra Setu" or famous Howrah bridge standing tall embarking the golden history, standing tall against the swirling breeze across Hoogly. My delight !!!

Retro Bollywood tracks enchanted my mind among which I would like to mention the masterpiece duet of Kishore Kumar and Rajesh Khanna.

“Chingari koi bhadke”.

In bright sun, we ( me and my father) boarded the bus for Karunamoyee, Salt Lake. Through the windows, I gazed the sky high buildings for first time in my life and the landmarks from British time. I could sense each brick telling stories of tyrant autocracy and struggle for independence carved on them.

How I could miss the palpable street foods! I was uninterruptedly peeping and smelling the savour. As we reached the destination, I met the wonderful person, Mazumder da, graciously waiting for our hospitality with his traditional delicacies. Rice, Dal and Calcutta famous Fish Curry (Machher Jhol) filled with loads of spice and love.

The first visit was all about a little exploration and inquisitiveness to see Calcutta that history tells and yes, of course writing exam paper. First experience of shopping in a mall, then mind was thinking when will be the next opportunity to embrace the pleasure of yellow taxis, running crowd, colourful bazaars, the cantilever bridge murmuring stanzas of Rabindra Sangit and last but not the least, Machher Jhol.

Second one was most prolific as I saw the ever tranquil and inspiring Belur, where I could feel the sagacity of Swami Vivekananda in every sand dunes. What soothing breeze away from the rush of city !!! Just terrific, I was considering my self the luckiest on earth in the ambience of Belur, recollecting the teachings of the greatest saint of Hinduism and The Sanatan Dharma.

One fine morning, I saw a man having bath on street and merely 100 meters ahead, when I was walking by T board, I saw two three people with their premium luxury cars!! That’s Calcutta for you. How can one forget to see the Eden Gardens with its golden cricketing history. The cheer for Prince of Calcutta as narrated by flamboyant Geoffrey Boycott. Ohh!! Dream come true.

Victoria memorial can definitely be a place to hang out, a fabulous monument. Essence and aroma of any recipe in the streets or restaurants can aggravate your taste buds. The new town, science city, birla planetarium, national library and the diamond harbour are some of the notable visits.

I could remember that south Indian thali, we had in lunch at esplanade. Authentic and aromatic as Chennai, Hyderabad or Bangalore, I can bet. The Chinese food market in bada bazaar, you can get everything. The Pragati Maidan , better known as simply Maidan has a sprawling area. It is the den of Mohun Bagan carrying years of legacy and rivalry of soccer with East Bengal with it. The salt lake stadium refurbished recently is the largest one in the country. Cool evening breeze by Howrah bridge and innumerable heritage, what more you ask for !

Third time it was me alone exploring the city as a free bee. It is Calcutta, just depicting incredible India with the festive Durga Pujo decorating the entire city like a queen. There you see the two bridges in form of queens standing tall in harem of The Ganges.

Yes, it is certainly the City of Joy. It is incredibly passionate perplexing your feelings, healing your wounds, providing you numerous ways to enjoy the bliss of life.

Take a bow City of Joy for all the splendid colours, for being modest while harnessing the bright culture! You are fabulous and hopefully you will render the same for folks till your existence.