Calcutta, my home, a place where a piece of my heart still resides. A place I didn't know I would be missing so much. Aptly said by someone, you realize the true value of something only when it's gone. Calcutta, one of the original metropolitan cities of India, is probably the only one which has still managed to hold on to its original vibes and feel. It's a place full of magic and charm where time seems to stand still. People across generations prefer to go about things at their own pace, own sweet time. Probably the only time people rush out here is during Durga puja pandal hopping or a cricket match at the iconic Eden Gardens.
First thing that anyone coming to Calcutta would resonate with is the warmth (literally in terms of temperature as well) and affection people have here. They have a massive heart which has profound love for even the strangers - absolute humanity. Historically, culture, music, rich education has been strongholds of Calcutta and it continues to be. People still prefer purchasing their weekly ration of vegetables from local street side vendors as it's fresh and unaffected by chemical usage. Freshness of morning air filled with soft, melodious music being played in the background welcomes the morning here. A typical morning starts with people sitting in their verandahs with a newspaper and a cup of tea accompanied by a pair of Marie Gold biscuits. Quite religiously, people read the entire newspaper not just specific sports or business sections - this in turns helps them in their daily adda (group of people chatting) sessions. Despite having cars, many still prefer to commute using the public transport as it is extremely cheaper and convenient. Public transport (excl. metros) in Calcutta is probably the best one can come across India. No matter which part of the city you are in, you will surely get a public bus to Howrah (the twin city). Office hours typically start around 10 and a session of chai (hindi version of tea) is the first thing on people's agenda. During lunch hours, many flock to the nearby street side food. Across the city, temporary stalls serving the same menu can be found outside each commercial area.
Evening sets in a bit early in this part of India and that's when the beauty of this city fully comes alive. Beautiful sunset with a cup of lemon tea on the banks of River Ganges is a mesmerizing sight. People leave offices per strict office timings quickly grabbing the street side chats - puchkas (pani puri or golgappa in other parts of India), muri, chilla etc. They then gather in their pada (locality) for their adda sessions. Here, people talk about everything under the sun - latest political development by the Delhi sarkar, another century by Virat Kohli, upcoming play at Rabindra Sarobar and the best of all - Durga Puja pandal plans. Most offices remain open on a Saturday so Sunday is technically the only weekend available. People out here still prefer playing outdoor sports be it their local grounds or going all the way to Maidan (lungs of Calcutta) and that's how a Sunday starts. Next up in the menu is a heavy breakfast made up of delicious club kachoris/luchis, jalebis and singhara (samosa in other parts of India). Later on a Sunday evening, people come out for some window shopping at a nearby mall and then head out for a family dinner at their favorite restaurants.
From a very young age, children are into learning a form of music along with compulsory coaching (highest possible level) for studies. As children grow up, they flourish in various form of arts like classical dance, music, painting, drama etc. which are further strengthened vide various inter-school/college fests. Love stories are made at these fests. Every corner you would come across a couple quietly talking to each other away from all the eyes and noise. Durga Puja kicks in the most celebrated month of the year. This 9-day festival is the best time to visit Calcutta. Plans for the design of idol and pandal, general theme begin in early part of the year. During the last 4 days, people are on a pandal hopping spree till late into the night (literally as late as 4-5 am) full of energy and hope. People patiently wait in the queue to catch a glimpse of Maa Durga and admire the think tank behind the pandal design & theme. Outside the pandals, mouth-watering puchkas, muri, ice-creams and a ride of swing for children await them. My Bengali friends from across the country have to necessarily be in Calcutta during this time of the year. This is probably the only leave plan they cannot compromise upon.
One may argue that eating unhygienic street side food, procuring vegetables from local vendors instead of supermarkets, commuting in cheap public transports, having a laid back attitude is not an ideal way of life or a sign of low standard of living but to me these are all signs of a relaxed and perfect work-life balance. Majority of working class working in other big cities complain about the fast corporate life, rising expense and falling income. They then a have short trip to local hill-stations or tier 2/3 cities to get away from this hustle and bustle to relax & refresh their mind. For people like me who had to leave the city in search of jobs, even the tiniest opportunity of coming back home is a joy to be cherished forever. This is the city which gave me mine first three loves of life! Unfortunately as soon as I started earning, I moved to Bangalore. When the time came to explore the nights, spend joyful conversations with friends and cousins, I just wasn’t there. And it’s not just about spending time with family that I look forward to – it’s the calmness, slow and laid back life that draws me to it. To me, it’s like an unpaid holiday where I can look at both the sunrise and sunset without worrying about tomorrow. Hopefully, Calcutta calls me back soon!
Commentaires