Kolkata known as the “City of Joy” is located on the banks of the Hooghly river and is one of the biggest cities in India. Kolkata is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history, culture, and cuisine. The city offers a range of attractions, including historical landmarks, cultural events, and delicious food. It is one of the few cities which has remnants of British architecture and planning providing the visitors a glimpse of the bygone era. The city can be visited around the year with cultural festivals being celebrated across the year along with a variety of food. Be it the roshogolla or the Kathi rolls, the city draws food lovers from across the world. The city is a must visit for food connoisseurs, the diverse food scene has something for everyone across budget and in variety
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By Air: The Kolkata International airport better known as the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International airport located at Dum Dum, connects the city with all the major cities of the country as well as the World.
By Train: Howrah, Sealdah and Kolkata railway stations are the three major railheads situated in the city. These railway stations are well connected to all the important cities of the country. Metro rail service also runs inside the city which helps to reach different places inside the city, which is easily available to the visitors and citizens.
By Road: The state buses let the travelers to come to this city without any difficulty. There are various private buses as well to reach Kolkata from different parts of the state.
music, dance and literature
Music and dances are also integral parts of the Bengali culture. Citizens of Bengal or Bengalis are closely associated with Rabindra Sangeet, Rabindra Nritya Natya (song and song-dance sequences composed by Tagore) and Nazrul Geeti (songs by Kazi Nazrul Islam). Folk dances and songs are also popular in the city. Bengalis have genuine interest in literature and many eminent poets and writers have glorified the Bengali literature. Ancient Bengali literature and modern literature both attract large number of book lovers.
durga puja
Durga Puja is the biggest festival of West Bengal and is celebrated across the state. It is a celebration of good over evil as the goddess vanquishes the demon Mahishasura. The UNESCO has accorded the ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ status to Kolkata's Durga Puja festival on December 15, 2020. It is a 10-day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
In West Bengal, the preparations for the Durga Puja begin months in advance, with construction of elaborate and unique pandals and creation of beautiful idols of the Goddess Durga. These pandals are known for their elaborate decorations, innovative themes and stunning lighting arrangements. The theme of the pandals can vary widely from mythological and religious to social and environmental issues. These pandals provide testimony to the artistic expression and creativity that showcases best of the Bengali culture and tradition. On the last day of the festival (after Bijoy Dasami), the idols are taken out for the procession and immersed in a water bodies symbolizing the return of the Goddess Durga to her abode in Himalayas. The carnival of immersion of idols is a spectacular event for the visitors.
bengali theater and cinema
Bengali theater is an integral part of the Bengali culture since many decades. Eminent personalities like Girish Chandra Ghosh, Dwarkanath Tagore and Jyotirindranath Tagore staged adaptations from Indian and English classical sources and social and historical plays. During pre-independence era, Bengali theater became an expression of many social, political and contemporary issues. In post-independence era, many playwriters shaped and transformed the contemporary Bengali Theater. Versatile and popular Film directors created some excellent cinemas which grabbed the attention of national as well international audiences and placed itself into the standard of world cinema.
kabi gaan
Kabi Gaan or Kabir Lorai was very popular in the nineteenth century Kolkata. Kabi Gaan resemble rural folksong and it is an urban incarnation of rural folk song. Kabi Gaan is a debating contest in verse. The debate is in lyrical form and covers vast range of topics like mythology, urban society comprising artisans, traders, shopkeepers etc.
bengali fine arts
West Bengal is the pioneer of modern art in India. Rabindranath Tagore, Abarentranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, and Gaganendranath Tagore, with their painting introduced the concept of Modern Art in India. Their ground breaking works inspired and encouraged the subsequent generation of artists to break free from all preconceived notions and to forge their way in evolving this fine art.
architecture
Kolkata is a home to large number of historical buildings, heritage properties, temples, mosques and monasteries which showcase the splendid architectural work that has been inspired by diverse cultures.
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