Kolkata – A muser’s solace

Have You Ever Heard a City Speak? 

I did; a couple of years back when I had moved to Kolkata . My new job, to be closer to home, and exciting new aspirations brought me to the “City of Joy” back in 2014.

Walking through the narrow alleys of this colonial-era city felt like stepping back in time. The rustic architecture and heritage houses spoke volumes: red brick walls, oxidised red floors, green shuttered wooden windows, and wrought iron grills swept me into a wave of nostalgia. On my first morning in Kolkata, I took a leisurely stroll along these archaic lanes. Could distinctly hear the morning  ‘riyaz’ – soulful singing and music of the veena ! Felt so soothing to the ears; almost meditative! Later discovered that this is indeed a very normal affair- to witness in a traditional Bengali family , it’s more like a sense of inspiration to start a new day.

Whereas for me, I started my day with a cup of  ” chai”  from a roadside vendor and it was delightful to say the least! They served hot bubbling tea almost immediately in small disposable clay cups also popularly known as “kulhad” in north India . Interestingly while other parts of India have done away with these terracotta cups , Kolkata has kept its heritage intact with its use readily  for ‘chai ‘as well as ‘lassi’ (an Indian yogurt based smoothie) and ‘mishti  doi'( sweetened yogurt). The refreshing tea, with a hint of ginger and robust flavor, had an earthy undertone and something else I could not place which probably was the magic of these eco-friendly cups!

Traditions That Speak of Time

Kolkata’s iconic hand-pulled rickshaws absolutely cannot elude one’s eye. One of the few places in the world where these rickshaws still ply, they are a relic of the past. The sight of men pulling these heavy wooden carts, passengers perched high above, evoked a mix of sadness, amazement, and unease. These rickshaws navigate narrow lanes with unmatched ease, a testament to their practicality in old Kolkata. Yet, I couldn’t help but wonder why such a labor-intensive mode of transport persists in modern times. Despite its controversies, this custom adds to the city’s old-world charm.

When delving into the rich history of this city, which exudes an aura of old fashioned spirit in every sense; there will be endless instances that we will stumble upon! One such fascinating experience is the Kolkata tram – that manages to move at a snail’s pace along the busy and crowded streets ; moving neck to neck with its fellow traffic! Oh it’s a joy ride actually,  if you have ample time for wandering,  Kolkata tram is the best way to do city touring and at cheapest price possible! These rides are light on the pocket but rich in experience, offering a window into the city’s enduring spirit.

Hooghly Ferry ride : Kolkata’s Serene Escape

A must-try experience in Kolkata is a local ferry ride across the Hooghly River! One of the cheapest modes of transport, it offers a sense of calm as you drift away from the ghats, passing under the iconic Howrah Bridge. Whether you’re commuting or simply taking a moment to reflect, the serene river contrasts beautifully with the city’s hustle and bustle, bringing a certain joy that words can hardly capture.

Kolkata is  also the land of so many noble personalities. From the likes of Rabindranath Tagore to Satyajit Ray to Subhash Chandra Bose to Mother Teresa  – this iconic city is infused with a rich heritage, shaped by generations of personalities deeply rooted in its legacy. I would suggest to spend a lazy day around College street surrounded by towering stacks of books in the book stores and street vendors . And then to top it up , visit the classic ‘Indian Coffee House’  , one of the most iconic ICH where once upon time notable leaders, congressmen and freedom fighters sat together and strategised to outrun the British. The place is massive , old and  rugged but yet; so rich and lively with people buzzing around having ‘addas’ (discussions)! I could see cobwebs in the high-roof ceiling with overlong ceiling fans . But for some strange reason – the rickety structures of this place didn’t seem to subdue anyone’s dialogue and debate sessions….! I ordered chicken cutlet and coffee which to be honest was not the best but posing against the silhouette of these great portraits of the original attendees of this café was enough to fill in my appetite. 

The adrenaline rush does amazing wonders , whenever I visit this quintessential city and thereby has never failed to amuse me ! It’s a city that speaks—through its streets, its people, and its traditions. Every corner has a story to tell, every experience is a window into its soul. Kolkata isn’t just a city; it’s a living, breathing narrative of nostalgia, resilience, and timeless charm.