Leaving the autumn festivities (Durga Puja, Kali Puja, et al), the only time Kolkata dresses up is during the week from Christmas to New Year. Strange it may sound, but many people are so nostalgic about Christmas in Kolkata that they just cannot think of spending time elsewhere.
As it happens during Durga Puja, so it is at the time of Christmas. The festive spirit is too pronounced to give a miss. It’ll be not be uncommon to find small-sized Santa and little decorated Christmas trees lined up in para shops for sale.
And there will be cakes of all shapes and sizes on offer. For many of us, Christmas in Kolkata without buying a Santa for home and a mandatory treat of cake is just not done.
Exchanging season’s greetings, wishing each other merry Christmas, roaming on streets and malls in the evening and soaking in the revelry all around are must-dos. Capping them all, a film or 2 on Sanata Claus that now come on in movie channels like HBO and Star Movies provides a nice feeling.
Okay, let’s now enjoy some images, a song (Dear Santa on YouTube) and a graphic account of his Christmas, quizmaster Derek O’Brien’s article, Little town of Bethlehem, in city of joy (don’t miss it).
Christmas lighting at Park Street [© copyright, Luckystreak; Picture source]
St. Paul’s Cathedral – people from every walk attend midnight mass [Picture source]
Sean Morey’s song, Dear Santa
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