Winter in Kolkata

Winter in Kolkata

Yeah, grab a cup from your favourite
Chayer Dokkan, folks.

One of my friends, known by his pseudo-name 'Mumb-Aikar' on Google+, has recently posted a nice little description of the wintry season un Mumbai. That gave me an idea, while commenting on his post, why not write something to speak of Kolkata and the winter here in the eastern Megapolis of India?

Winter i a joyous time in the life of Bengalees, and several amongst us, including my mother, prefer it to all other seasons combined. Obviously there's a dry spell around, which really, really bothers me, but at the same time there are few pleasures in life more delightful than a warm, cozy sleep in winter, blanketing ourselves with quilts and Saals.

Winter primarily greets the heartland of West Bengal (including Kolkata) as early as the last week of October. As the days start shortening, giving way to the Goddess Raatri to make her silent ascent above us, cold winds start blowing from the north-west, bringing much-needed respite from an otherwise sultry and hot climate.

The beginning of Winter

It's commonly said in Bengal that officially, winter begins on the day of immersion of Goddess Kaali, by the end of October or early November. Akaash Pradips are lit on each roof, and the lights of Diwali continue to dazzle our eyes and hearts, fending off the bites of chill. Winter means fresh vegetables and peas for us Calcuttans, which brings much delight and joy to our otherwise nonchalant hearts.

The Heroes of Kolkata make their return
as winter comes! You don't wanna mess with 'em,
do you? :D

As the winter begins, people start changing their attires, slowly transforming into Saal-clad, monkey-capped, gloved and booted beings, that surprisingly still manage to find the way to the local Chai Stall. And on a wintry morning, what's better than a warm, smoking cup of tea/coffee in your hand, a much-used public copy of Anandabazaar or another Bengali daily newspaper, and most importantly the gathering of your social circle? Sounds boring? Naah, that's divine, at least for us Calcuttans.

Another year, another day

Slowly and silently, winter takes us to December through November, and we begin to celebrate the arrival of a new year. All past dismays and problems are forgotten, even if for a while, and a new aura of effusive hope arises, lighting the faces of Bengalees. Kolkata turns a year older, and the City of Joy makes its steadfast way headlong into the future, bringing promises of joy and happiness for all its residents, for all it children.

Many Calcuttans visit their relatives or ancestral homes in the rural areas, and it's indeed a very good experience to share a couple of cozy moments staring at dry, empty fields in the rural side, as Mother Earth awaits the arrival of new crops on her noble bosom to feed us all. My birthplace, Labhpur of the Birbhum District, becomes a beautiful destination during the wintry season, for good reasons. Who can resist the charm of watching a steady stream of green-bodied, scarlet-beaked parrots nibbling on the crop residues left in the fields? 

Kolkata and around 

The Queen's Way, Kolkata

The average Bengalee suddenly realizes the need for a good outing, and bingo! Kolkata does have her own set of marvels to satisfy the curious, pleasure-seeking heart. The Zoological Garden of Alipoore and the A.J.C Bose Botanical Garden of Shivpur, turn into tourist hotspots. Photographers and enthusiasts like me make their way to these hotspots, shooting as many grand shots as possible.

The golden light of the sun descends into the green meadows of central Kolkata, bathing the famous Gorer Math, Eliot Park and Victoria Memorial Hall with a tinge of liquid gold. Truly it becomes a sight to behold. And an added pleasure is the beautifully decorated Queen's Way, named after Queen Victoria, that passes beside the Victoria Memorial. Cars of all shapes, colours, brands and sizes are seen to speed past, as you sip in a bit of steaming tea at the end of the day's tiresome journey, occasionally sharing a comment with or picking one from the fellow sitting beside you. Food vendors of all types flock around you as you make your way toward the tourist attractions of the place.

Yeah, yellow leaves are beautiful!

What makes Maidan my favourite festination is the CESC Fountain of Joy, which I've already mentioned countlessly many times, and see fit to repeat it again! Yeah, call me criminal, shameless or a bit way too emotional, I will always do it! ;)

The melodious sound of Rabindrasangeet filling your ears and flowing into the depths of your mind, with the sparkling display of dazzling, dancing waters in front, the sight is truly a majesty of nature and engineering, one of those rare moments when you can truly be beyond yourself, getting absorbed into the serenity that is the integral part of nature. 

After all, the City of Palaces, our beloved Kolkata, is also the City of Joy, and what's stopping us from being a bit overjoyed? :D

The descent of evening 

As the evening descends, a blissful humming of yellow cabs and cars begin all around Maidan. As we walk toward the Metro Station, birds are seen returning to their nests at the end of their tedious flight. And so do we return to our 'nests' as well, willing to greet the Queen of Cities, the Heart of Bengal, once again the next day.

Enjoy the winter, folks.