Some Glimpses of Kolkata

As the sunset gives way to dusk, Kolkata’s famous Vidyasagar Setu, or the second Hooghly Bridge, lights up to form flouroscent shadows in the Ganges below. A boatman rows leisurely and the typical wooden vessel with a hut-like cover silhouettes itself against the rising night. Did you know that you could go for ride on boats like these in Kolkata?

The Victoria Memorial more often than not defines Kolkata’s skyline, with the towering figure of Victory perched atop the main dome. This white structure houses a museum that boasts of a large collection of memorabilia harking back to British presence in India and is the city’s pride. The marble glows with the warmth of all that light, and she is thus dressed appropriately for every evening out in the open.

On a rainy morning, Kolkata’s greenery is awash, clean and fresh. There is an earthy aroma in the air, leaves of plants and trees both small and big aren’t thirsty anymore. They play with the water, accumulate the drops and roll them off their bodies into the ground below.

Wandering around the city, you’ll find roads and pavements full of kids, playing around, asking for alms, sharing what they find between themselves and sometimes laughing at a random joke that one of them makes. Their laughter is also in their eyes, for they do not make pretenses. At these times, they make beautiful pictures.

As the winter descends, it’s time to savor the timeless appeal of baul gaan. Here is a glimpse of a baul mesmerizing audience with his spell.