Hello Kolkata!

 

The capital of the Indian state of West Bengal is Kolkata, previously known as Calcutta that is located on the east bank of the River Hooghly. Kolkata is famous as the Cultural capital of India and labelled as the City of Joy.  The reason behind it is because people of Kolkata know how to enjoy each & every festival be it Durga Puja, Christmas,  Diwali, Eid or New Year or anything. Everyone gets into the festive mood and decorates their home, buys new clothes, sends sweets or gifts to relatives and friends. The whole city gets infected with the happiness and the lanes are decorated with lights, colourful papers, balloons etc. If someone is there in Kolkata during a festival, he or she will have the time of their lives. Then comes the world famous mouth watering Bengali food ranging from the pocket friendly Puchkas to the priceless Hilsa and Lobsters. However, majority of the crowd loves street food as it fills one's tummy without creating a hole in their pocket! From puchkas, momos, ghoogni, chaats, rolls, samosas, kachodis, you will find it all once you think about it! Then comes the sweets, yes I did not forget about them, you will find world class Roshogollas(Rasgulla), mishti doi, rashomalai etc at the most famous or smallest street side sweet shops.

Kolkata is also home to the renowned film maker Satyajit Ray, our national pride Rabindranath Tagore as well as respected Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa Dev. In my opinion one should definitely come down to Kolkata to know why it is called the cultural & spiritual capital. 

There's so much more to the city of joy as you will be in complete awe to explore the colourful nooks and corners! One can enhance their knowledge at the famous College street also known as "Boi Para" and at Science city. One may also peep into the history and admire the architecture at Victoria Memorial, Marble Palace or the Indian Museum! Another way to start the day can be by seeking the blessings of Maa Kali at Kalighat Temple or Dakshineshwar Temple. Then the perfect way to spend the day would be a to take Tram ride and explore life in the city closely, relish yummy Bengali cuisine at any of the famous Bengali restaurants like Oh! Calcutta or 6 Ballygunge Place and finally watch the mesmerising sunset by the Ganges at Princep Ghat. To end the evening, you can even shop your heart out at the famous markets like Gariahat, Metroplaza, Esplanade or at the ever-busy malls then have dinner at Park Street! Yes, life is slow in Kolkata but aren't we all tired of running around and rushing? It is worth slowing down every once in a while and just appreciate the life we have. It will help you to recharge your batteries if you just spend a day around the soulful city of joy! 

My city has always shown me the value of living in a simple way and finding joy in the little things, so if you want your mind to relax even when you are on your toes for the entire day, visit Kolkata! Experience the blend of old-world appeal and contemporary India.