OMG kOlKaTA

The IndiBlogger Meet in Kolkata

2011-02-21T22:17:00.000+05:30

Just attended this wonderful meet of bloggers at the City Center organised by Indiblogger.in in association with Akshaya Patra..an international social welfare NGO that deserves tons of accolades for its work across the globe..many of us bloggers are recognized only by our online avatars, but this meet allowed us to actually meet all these wonderful people in person.. bloggers whose blogs i had been following for quite some time, creators of many popular sites on the internet..who remain anonymous and hidden unless brought to the forefront through meets such as these..thanks a lot Indiblogger.in, this is a wonderful initiative..:)..hope to attend more such meets in the future..and yeah, how can i forget..the wonderful performance by the Five Little Indians..:)

During this event where we had to comment on these charts hung by bloggers on their backs..and the person with the most comments won a prize which we all got in the end..hehh..'Live and Let Comment'..

The Grafitti Wall

The Five Little Indians entertaining a little but enthusiastic crowd with their set of original songs..

IsTaLaZzA 2011

2011-01-30T21:24:00.000+05:30

After the success of ISTALAZZA 2010, Maulana Azad College, Kolkata (MAC) is back with a bang this year and promises to be yet another event of extravagance and celebration. The jamboree of the best students from the colleges in Kolkata, who will be provided with a platform to exhibit their talents.

With the theme," ELEMENTAL", we, the students of MAC are back with some more excitement and fun. All we need is your active participation in it to make it a grand success again.

"ISTALAZZA ''11 - NJOYMENT REDEFINED" has been framed with such events which will test your adeptness and the indomitable spirit within.

We promise you an experience that would cling to your memory till your last breath, building relations that would last eternally.

The countdown has already begun, the stage is set, and everyone is gearing up for their turn.

So why waiting? Take a step ahead now…

Visit the official site at Istalazza .

For more information, mail me at debarshi@istalazza.com

eNdInG tHe YeAr oN A DiFfErEnT NoTe

2010-12-31T13:24:00.000+05:30

~~~Scarlet Contrition~~~

Blood soaked pages, red and wild,

riddles of remorse ripped and rived;

Wretched cries in hasty surmise,

strained justice, jolted and jeopardized.

Oh! He, who bleeds is nor virid nor roon,

puerile green his spirit, his flesh rutilant and puce.

Emerald no more the bosky plains lie,

rubedinous, rubiginous, russet and incarnadined.

A red warrior ceases, benumbed and bereft,

Contaminated harmony plagues the rest.

"Giddy Green", they allege, is the butcher, the bane

But probe thy precisely and descry his name.

Oh! He who bears the dagger is nor virid nor roon,

Sable and sooty his spirit, his flesh pallid and cool.

Beryl no more are the neptunian beds,

rufescent, roseate, incarnadined red.

A tender she, still callow and burgeon,

depredated of honor in rapine's dour dungeon.

Did'st not flush those canines then which lacerated her bod?

Oh! Injudicious and irrational smugger! Where thence hid thy god?

Oh! She who shrieked was nor virid nor roon,

puerile green was her spirit, her flesh rubicund and maroon;

Efflorescent no more the pullulating orchids twine,

insipid, insensitive, sterile and paralyzed.

A doting Madonna, solicitous and benign,

purloined off her bairn, in early juvenile.

Hold! Oh unflinching wantons! Look not so gallant,

for virtue's crystal champions shall soon vanquish thy talent.

Oh! The mother that weeps is nor virid nor roon,

morose and mopish her spirit, pillaged and plundered her womb.

Nay nor placate nor tranquil no more, the turbulent winds whirl,

bestial , befouled, a besmirched swirl.

Brothers of belligerence, churlish and harsh,

kerf those rancors profused by megalomanic curs.

Apartheid no more let thy gumptions be.

May coadunative choirs of faith refurbish unity!

-----------Sayantan Biswas

I find this piece of poetry to be a gem you know..kudos to Sayantan for penning this..seriously..this is inspired by the prevailing political crisis in the state..with the elections drawing nearer, the Red Corridors are a bit silent somewhat..maybe they are trying to gauge the present scenario and stock up their armoury..and i hope i'm not using this word in the literal sense at all..hehh..it seems that a major portion of West Bengal is finally following traffic norms when it comes to their political choices..maybe not on the road..

" Stop Red . Go Green "..

Sayantan Biswas is presently studying in Scottish Church College, pursuing Honours in English..is a passout from Frank Anthony Public School..writes very well..as you can see..:P

16th Kolkata Film Festival

2010-11-13T21:48:00.000+05:30

For more details, visit the Official Website of the event.

To download the complete festival schedule, here's the direct link to the PDF file..
Schedule

This year's edition of the film festival is highlighted by the controversial screening of Satyajit Ray's 'lost' film Sikkim, an hour long documentary shot in the border state in 1971. The inaugural screening was interrupted midway and the ban on the film has been reimposed.

The KFF continues from 10-16th November, 2010.

MeTrO mEtRo..

2010-11-10T20:21:00.000+05:30

This article is really coming up after a long gap..really sorry for the delay..this is such a beautiful time to visit this city you know..nice pleasant weather..no rains usually..its the post-Puja period..nice relaxed atmosphere everywhere within the city..well almost..the situation is anything but relaxed in the Red corridors and the Green..given the recent and ongoing surge of snags in the Metro Railway and the repeated accusations that all such minor and major accidents are cases of sabotage, the tension is building up pretty noisily before the elections in 2011..if all such cases are results of sabotage, then the Left has really found a nice policy:A-Snag-A-Day-Keeps-Mamata-At-Bay..hehh..of course, if you ask me, a sudden derailment of a train is anything but accidental..for various technical reasons..then the regular incidents of trains stopping midway between two stations, the intolerable delay,etc..all are adding to the woes of the citizens who look up to this mode of transport for fast commuting..the latest incident on the list being the collapsing of the platform at Netaji Bhawan(Bhowanipore)..hehh..really..maybe more such surprises are on the list..

yEs, We aRe gUiLtY!

2010-05-18T23:36:00.001+05:30

We Bengalis have always been the hypocritical lot..and it is part of our culture infact nowadays..we take pride in our rich culture, the glorious past..but we hardly make efforts to make this present a past to remember in the future..we boast about Rabindranath Tagore, we boast about the fact that Kolkata has been the city of five Nobel laureates namely Tagore, Raman, Mother Teresa, Ronald Ross, Amartya Sen, we boast of Raja Ram Mohan Ray, Bankimchandra, Saratchandra, Vidyasagar, Subhas Bose, Satyajit Ray,etc..yet..if we look at the condition of us Bengalis now, we have only shame to inflict on us..only twice a year does Rabindrasangeet replace the Bollywood numbers on the streets..stages are set up almost in every lane,not to adorn a political leader with garlands,but to commemorate the birth and death anniversaries of the figure whose only song we can recall and sing at any moment hopefully is the National Anthem..most of us don't even have the least idea about the life of the person who gave us our National Song..even less have the idea that there exists a Ram Mohan Museum in Amherst Street..

SSKM had been once the base of a groundbreaking medicinal discovery that eventually fetched Ronald Ross a Nobel Prize..at this instant, bunk this article, take out the newspaper, go through it and find articles that talk about the lack of beds, equipments, ill-treatment of patients, lack of doctors, lack of faculty at this historical hospital..

SSKM

Riots in the campus

People with a mathematical bent of mind have always been fascinated by the Indian Statistical Institute in Baranagar..i advise you to just enter the campus and ask anyone present there to point you to the most neglected building there..what they will point you to is the house where Rabindranath Tagore and Abanindranath Tagore had spent much time together..and it lies almost in ruins now..whom to blame? Lets point our fingers to our callousness for a change and not the MPs and MLAs.

the main gate.

Naming a few metro railway stations after some eminent Bengalis is a good gesture by all means..but that is never a commendable effort by any means..more needs to be done at every moment..somewhere down the line, we are losing ourselves more rapidly than we think we are and we have only ourselves to blame..setting up industries rampantly won't bring back the Bengal that we take pride in coming from..

We need a huge upsurge..in all fields..literary, industrial and others..and we are the torchbearers of a better tomorrow..and if we lose ourself in the process, its better we shed off the 'Bengali' tag..the word needs to be spread at a very fast pace..and if you thought i'm trying to propagate something like 'Bangali manhoos', you got me wrong..it's the essence of the City of Joy and not of Kolkata that i'm worried about,it's the culture that i'm worried about, the trams, the rickshaws, the adda, the Rabindrasangeet, the intellect, College Street, Victoria Memorial, coffee house, little magazines..the list is very long..and not only Bengalis, anyone who has a heart that beats for this ailing city,craving for some justice to be imparted its glorious past, can contribute towards making this place reach the position it once held among all Indians and people abroad..that of a City of Joy.

cAlCuTtA kOlKaTa: It mAtTeRs..

2010-04-11T14:36:00.001+05:30

Recently went to my aunt's place in Dankuni..some kilometers north of Kolkata..after a long time..and there's this turntable that was brought by my uncle almost 30years ago for about Rs.800/-..which was not a meager sum at that point of time..also he has this great rare collection of 33 1/3rpm records..of all bengali songs, some instrumentals and even some jatras..here was where i had my first experience of listening to music being played out of a (modernized) Gramophone..hehh..
Listened to the historical jatra- Nati Binodini..always heard of it, but never actually heard it till that day..it was simply fabulous..almost a visual experience through audio..no wonder Bengali theater was considered to be of top notch during those days..

It also reminded me of our very own Star Theater, in Hatibagan..the place where the legendary Nati Binodini staged her last play in 1887..she is still considered to be the first bengali female icon and her portrayal of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is considered to be legendary..Ramakrishna Paramhansa is said to have blessed her for this performance..

If anything has been right about the Left government here in West bengal, it has been the rediscovery of the glory of some important landmarks in the city like the Star Theater, Minerva,etc..they are remnants of a better time when Calcutta was the city everyone wanted to be in..unlike now, where we have almost everyone heading for greener pastures outside the state..when, according to a certain survey on the Internet, the University of Calcutta ranks 64 out of the top 100 universities in India.. when it should have been among the top 5..where, a certain bill to make Presidency College an unitary university needs, if am not wrong, two decades to be passed..this is not the Calcutta we wanted, this is Kolkata..a city where politics is synonymous with foul-play, where intellectuals get targeted and bracketed as supporters of internal strife if they go against the government..where heritage buildings are lying unattended,electricity supply is erratic..a city whose mayor's response to a question thrown at him regarding the pitiful condition of the drainage supply was that even London has the same problem..
Oh My God..Kolkata..hehh..

jOiN yOuR HaNdS, bLoCk tHe RoAdS!

2010-03-29T15:57:00.000+05:30

When it comes to acting in protest of something, i doubt if there's any other city in India that grants so much freedom to the protesters as this city does. Be it lack of electricity in a certain housing complex, lack of water supply in an area, death of a relative due to the negligence of doctors/ambulances, lack of payments made to workers in a firm,etc etc..and the sad part is, however much these street protests, road blocks, processions, etc. get them to their temporary goals, they don't have much effect in the broader view..other citizens seldom sympathize with them and most people get irritated to the core..for example, i once fell victim to a huge traffic snarl at the E.M Bypass caused due to a road blockade and it took me nearly and hour to figure out the real cause of the blockade itself..people brought life to a halt literally in protest against the arrest of their party leader who had allegedly caused some amount of nuisance at the Writer's Building that day..

Imagine if a patient in a critical condition was stuck in the jam(indeed there was!)..or people who had trains/planes to catch in time..what wrong could they have done to be victims of this torture? After all, all protests have a selfish motif and there are very rare occasions when the entire city unite their voices against one wrong..this happened,though, in 2007 after the Left played foul in Singur and Nandigram..almost the entire city joined hands and voices in protest against the foulplay..

Tragedy at Park Street

2010-03-24T20:41:00.000+05:30

It was just another day for every Kolkatan except for the ones who were victims of a deadly fire that broke out at the 150-year odd Stephen Court building in Park Street. The landmark building houses popular eateries like Flurrys,Peter Cat and also our very own Music World. The fire was first noticed by passers by, some of whom were daring enough to rush to their rescue before the sluggish fire department arrived at the spot with inadequate measures to rescue the helpless people trapped on the 4th and 5th floor..it brought to light some of the most embarrassing things about the fire department..one being non-availability of 'skylifts' that are the most neccesary of equipments required to save victims in tall buildings..some of the bewildered and frightened people trapped in the fire dived from the high floor at god's mercy perhaps, thereby injuring themselves or ending their lives in a bid to save them. And bloody news channels, god knows why/how they can nurture thoughts of increasing their TRP ratings at this time, were busy claiming themselves to be the first ones to bring to us coverage of the tragic event which was allegedly ' more adventurous than a reality TV show!'..huh..

This video had been shot by a friend of mine who happened to be at that place.

The fire was allegedly caused due to a short circuit that occurred in the neglected electricity lines..

ThE vIcToRiAn gIfT tO ThE cItY oF JoY

2010-02-25T22:40:00.000+05:30

After around 14 years i went to the Victoria Memorial just two days back..whoo, what a change..for some years, the have been charging Rs. 4/- just to enter the campus and Rs. 10 /- to enter the museum..and a whopping Rs. 150/- for foreign nationals..which is actually insane and very discriminating..but then, for a city that constantly lags behind in terms of funds raised from public money, this is probably a tolerable step..the entry fee has in fact caused a drastic decline in the number of jobless loiterers and aimless lovebirds and nuisance makers who used to flock here at all times of the day and destroy the aesthetic beauty of the place..then there are the horse carriages that offer you a ride around the landmark for a fee that is always a bit more than you can afford for them..even the softdrinks that are sold in the stalls nearby are high priced..a bottle of 'Fanta' thats currently priced for Rs. 22/- is being sold for Rs. 25/- without objection..on bargaining, such a stall-owner was ready to sell for Rs. 24/-..tourists therefore beware..

But the actual appeal of the place can be best captured on a winter morning, with a cool breeze blowing against your face, with some nice Oasis or Goo Goo Dolls music plugged in your ears and sitting relaxedly against a tree..oh yes..

PS : The protective bamboo framework around the angel on top of the dome has been removed! Sadly though, the angel doesn't rotate anymore like it is supposed to..

IsTaLaZzA 2010- tHe MoSt oFfBeAt pErFoRmAnCe fRoM kRoSsWiNdZ yEt..

2010-02-01T22:05:00.000+05:30

they played no original songs in the performance that lasted for a little more than an hour..the gig started with the evergreen Summer of '69 and ended with Prithibi of Mohiner Ghoraguli..and featured some major Bollywood songs..
It dissapointed krosswindz fans like me who expected a performance from Krosswindz and not just any other cover band..
but then, they rocked us out totally..no issues..

a RiDe tHrOuGh ChOwRiNgHee rOaD

2010-01-31T23:14:00.003+05:30

this was recorded with my mobcam..so pardon me for the poorjavascript:void(0) video quality..

tHe GaNgAsAgAr mElA

2010-01-10T22:16:00.000+05:30

Every year pilgrims from all over the country gather in kolkata in mid-January to be part of what is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimages according to Hindu beliefs- the Ganga Sagar Mela. Tourists, pilgrims, sages gather in Kolkata some weeks prior to the main ritualistic bath at the GangaSagar premises in Canning. Camps are setup by various organizations and sages from all over the nation assemble near Babughat, next to the Mohun Bagan Stadium.

Its almost like a fair where people come just to be in company with these holy men and seek their blessings and stuff.

This sage is allegedly 106 years old and has hair thats long and hard enough to pull a small cart infact. A very nice man he is.:)

The sage below belongs to the Naga community that worships Lord Shiva and are known to be a little aggresive in nature..

They say 'sab tirtha barbar,gangasagar ekbar'..

Kumbha mela happens every 12years, Gangasagar repeats every year..

This saying originated from the fact that it was really difficult to go to the venue of this event as access was very limited..

Now it no longer applies with AC Buses and direct trains plying and providing great service to the eager pilgrims..

nEw yEaR ReSoLuTiOn

2010-01-09T21:25:00.002+05:30

It's a 'new' year allegedly..2010..start of a new decade..but is it the start of a process which will bring about a change of any kind? Well, we are supposed to have the answers..we are the torchbearers of a new tomorrow which we are supposed to build..there are still unattended patients begging for mercy in some Government hospitals(SSKM being a one of them)..there are still some projects that have been under-construction for many days(the College street market)..there are still problems regarding drainage during the monsoons(behala,amherst st.,belgachia,etc.)..cases of torture,robbery,rape,murder,suicide,etc are being registered at an unprecedented rate..these problems needed to be addressed to and solved and wrapped up in the decade that's gone..but people at the top know the difference between what needs to be done and what is profitable for them..and thats how the system is running..and thats why kolkata has become what it is today...
Bandhs, road blockades, etc to propagate an idea or a message doesn't reach the common man on a good note..instead the harassment caused is unforgivable..imagine a person who needs to be taken to a hospital on an emergency gets stuck in a traffic snarl caused by some youths who are involved in a fight over college elections..huh..
The system needs to change..and its possible..and we are the ones who have the power to change it..kolkata needs to revive itself big time..

pEoPlE's cAr?

2009-12-31T17:30:00.002+05:30

Tata's promise of cheap(est) cars overlapped with the Left's policy of development did not find too many takers in this state, but then the fruit of all the dreams that Ratan Tata saw and all the labour that had gone into realizing this dream has certainly found some admirers and customers in the city, with the 'People's Car' being regularly spotted on the streets and elsewhere by curious eyes.
The city came to almost a standstill following the atrocities (which we are familiar with) committed in Singur(the original proposed site of the Tata factory), with intellectuals and opportunists, richer by many reasons, ready to pounce on the government and its policies, shouted slogans that expressed their repulsiveness to 'industrialization' and 'Nano'.

One and a half years gone, this half-egg shaped car is running pretty smoothly on city roads, though in small numbers.

This car was spotted in Central Avenue.
Looks cute..
If only the land acquisition had been a little more fairer, then we would really have felt proud of our state.
But as they say, nothing is Right in West Bengal.

(the sign on the wall and the car,together in the same pic..wow!)

NiScHiNdIpUr aNd tHe pAnChAli

2009-12-20T14:31:00.005+05:30

We boast about having seen it, we talk about it, we idolize the man who made it, we go gaga over it.. but are we even curious about the place where history was made? Rather, are we even aware of its existence? I guess the answer is a sad 'No'.. I have been to this place numerous times only to feel pity for what was once Nischindipur(on reel), the location of the shooting of the epic film 'Pather Panchali', in Boral, a sleepy village in South 24-Parganas, very much part of Kolkata. The building, which was the house of Apu and Durga on screen, is intact,with one of its walls untouched by the inhabiting family, to retain the originality and charm of it. A memorial has been established in memory of Satyajit Ray, the creator of the film. Sadly, the face on the bust doesn't even match with that of the legendary film-maker. And not even a garland adorns the bust.

I just wonder, amidst all these film festivals, all the talks of reviving history, amidst the hype over SRFTI, has everybody forgotten this landmark location? If yes, i hope to attract some attention towards it. This place needs to be revived and given the importance and prominence it deserves so much. And the tour maps of kolkata need to contain this place as a tourist spot.

IsTaLaZzA 2010

2009-12-19T20:29:00.007+05:30

This is probably the only post am putting up for personal reasons on this blog, on request from all of my college-mates..the inaugural edition of the inter-college cultural festival, 'ISTALAZZA '10',of Maulana Azad College is coming up on 29th and 30th of January..venue for the first day is our college premises and for the second day is Nazrul Manch..lots of events are awaiting your participation..invitations are to be sent out to almost all the colleges very soon..do come and make this effort a grand success..oh yeah, i won't spill the beans about the guest performance as of yet..:P..for more details, mail me or be a fan of Istalazza on Facebook...

Maulana Azad College Istalazza

Visit this group

Check out the website HERE

tHe gOoD SaMaRiTaN

2009-12-13T14:42:00.003+05:30

Well, not to put this friend of mine on a heavenly pedestal by dedicating this post to him..but just to highlight the contrast that exists among people..one person had tied this poor puppy to a brick and kept it on the pavement,where this puppy was screeching at the top of its voice, and this good guy, immediately on seeing the hapless condition of the dog, rushed to a nearby tea stall and got a teacup of water for this thirsty canine..this picture hasn't been able to capture the other elderly Samaritan who offered biscuits to the dog..we didn't untie the dog though..thought the busy Suburban Hospital Road wasn't a safe haven for this toddler..

sEaSoN oF "MeLAS"

2009-12-04T21:31:00.003+05:30

As the chill of the winter sets in every year, a new time for rejoicing starts..a season where hordes of people from all parts of the city and outside assemble to have good times in the various fairs and festivals organised on different scales..at different venues..on different themes, selling different stuff..the ever-romantic,ever-nostalgic Calcutta Book Fair, the Industrial Trade Fair, the various handicrafts exhibitions, the theater fests, the film fests, even a test cricket match at the Eden Gardens..and all those events that echo the very essence of this city of joy and its ever-jovial atmosphere and mood..a time that brings back good old memories..

Oh Winter!

2009-11-24T22:25:00.005+05:30

After many years, winter has finally arrived on time and by the feel of it, i guess its here to stay for some good time and not vanish all of a sudden like it did last year..well, the winter in this part of the world is not at all of the 'harsh' kind but then the kind of climate that hugs us for most part of the year and which deserts us at this time of the year, makes it seem like so..dry skin, advertisements on the television of glycerin soaps and cold creams are usually the initial indications.. he he..but then, if we just spare a thought about the pavement dwellers and their method of confronting the cold winds by enveloping their makeshift 'bedrooms 'up with thin plastic sheets, we might just think otherwise about the apparent pleasantness of the season..

Kudos to this lady..

PLACES OF INTEREST (WHERE TO VISIT) - KOLKATA

2009-11-18T17:07:00.002+05:30

• Asiatic Society-It was founded by William Jones in 1784 withWarren Hastings. The Societyin situated 1Park Street.This Institution a famous Centre of Indology,Literature Scientific Research.It has a rare collection of manuscript.From Esplanade (Curzeon Park of Mayo Road)-Bus and Minibus of Park St., Metro Rail-Stop-Park St.

• Asutosh Museum (Calcutta University)-Situated at College Street and Housed in the University Centenary Building. The Museum has excellent specimans of Bengal folk art. Bengal Pots and Painting. From Esplanade -34B,46,46AC-6,5 (Tram)78/1.Stop-University, ph:2241-4984 (10 AM-5PM).

• Academy of Fine Arts-Situated at Cathedral Road. It has a Permanent galleries of Mughal Miniatures,British Painters in India.Tagore painting and Modern Indian Paintings.Playes are daily stages in the auditorium. From Esplanade (Curzeon park or Mayo Road)-47/1,47A,14/1,234/1,2B,Stop-Rabindra Sadan.

• Aquitica-A beautiful Water park with many Water Rhydes situated at Kochpukur near Rajarhat. Ticket Mon.-Fri. 150/-,Sunday and other holiday-200/-(10-6.30 pm) ph:2221-3626/27/33/34

• Alipore Observatory -Situated at Sterndale Road of Diamond Harbour Road.The Metrological. Office is located here and Forecasts the weather bulletinfor the Eastern zone. From Esplanade-76,s16and Minibus –Stop-Duel Avenue

• Alipore Zoological Gardens-Situated atbAlipore,covering an areaof45 acres was inaugurated in 1876. It has a wide ranging collection of Animals,Birds, Deers and Cattle are grouped under natural condition. While Tiger , Hippopotamus, Rhinocros are on view. From Esplanade- Thakurpukur-BBD Bag . Behal-BBD Bag Minibus, 77, 77A. Stop-Alipore Zoo (Chiriakhana) ph:2479-1150/2439-9391.

• Armenian Church- Situated atArmenian Street, Built in 18th Century,Oldest Church in Kolkata. From Esplanade – Bus and Minibus of Howrah Station. Stop-Burrabazer (Brabourne Road).

• Birla Planetorium-Situated on the crossing of Theatre Road and Chowranghee Road. The dome built of reinforced concrete with a diameter of 75ft. In the centre of the air conditioned auditorium is placed a giant projector capable of reproducing the part of the universe which is visible to the naked eye. Biggest Planetorium in Asia. From Esplanade -47,47/1,47/B,14/1, Garia-BBD Bag Minibus, L9, Stop-Birla Planetorium. Ph.:2223-6610/1516

• Botanical Garden-Situated at Shibpur, Howrah and West bank of Ganga. The garden has Numerous varities of plants and trees. Sprading over 273 acres. The Garden is famous for the great banyan tree which covers around of 382 metres. From Esplanade-C6,C14,T4,T9, MS35 (Via Vidyasagar Setu) and Howrah-55 and Minibus (B.Garden-Dharmatala), Stop-B. Garden,ph:2668-5367.

• Belur Math-Situated at Belur of Howrah District. Head Quarters of Ramkrishna Mission. On the bank of the Hooghly River(Ganga) the world famous Ramkrishna Temple providing a picturesque view. People from different parts of the country and abroad visit these places. Visiting Hours:6-30 AM-11AM and 4PM-7.30 PM.Admission free. From Esplanade –Belur Minibus, Howrah-54,51, Stop-Belur Math.(Ferry services also availablefrom Dakshineswar Temple to Belur Math)

• Birla Industrial and Technological Museum-Situated at Gurusaday Road.The museum is meant for the Industrial & Technical Development of India. From Esplanade-Jadavpur-BBD Bag/Ekdalia-BBD Bag Minibus-Stop-Gurusaday Road. Ph:2247-7241.

• Birla Mandir-Situated near Ballygunge Phari. The greatest Hindu Temple. The Temple built by Stone. From Esplanade-Ekdalia –BBD Bag/Jagaddal-BBD Bag Minibus and 205A. Stop-Birla Mandir.

• Bose Institute-Situated at Science college, Rajabazar. The Institute founded by greatest Scientist Sir J.C. Bose. Research works on plants are carried on here by scholars from various parts of this Sub-continent. From Esplanade-47/1,47,30B,79B-Stop-Science College.

• Bhawanipore Gurudwar (Jagat Sudar)-Holy place of Sikh Community.Granths Saheb stay here. Ph-2466-3877 (4 AM-10 PM). Stop –P.G. Hospital.

• Bangio Sahitya Parishad-Situated at Sahitya Parishad St. of A.P.C.Road. It famous for valuable collection of Manuscripts and books in Bengali Language and Literature. It has a reading room for public. From Esplanade – 47A,30B,79D, 217, 34C Buses. Stop-Sahitya Parishad.

• Bidhan Shishu Udyan-Situated near Ultadanga. Beautiful children playground.Amusement centre & Library inside the Udyan.From Esplanade – 47/1, S-16, 46A, 46, 79D. Stop-Housing(Ultadanga).

• City Centre-Located at D.C-1Sector-1,Salt Lake.Kol-64. A unique Mall built by one of the Reputed Industrialist.An ideal place to hang around with family & friends.The Centre has a Movie Multiplex,Departmental stores, Conference Room, Shopping centre & Food Court.Bus Route-Auto(From Ultadanga), 47/1( Sealdah). Bus Stop-Vidyasagar(10 minutes from that stop).

• Clown Town-Different ride through clown & Exhibit here.T-Block, Gargacha,Patuli Garia.Kol-84,Ph-22436843/9322.(daily 2-8 pm & Holiday 9am-9pm).

• Calcutta High Court-Situated at Old Post Office Street. Founded in 1872,the building represents the florid gothie style of Architecture in the City. The building of judicature with a tower of 54 metres height. Chief justice court, session court, bar Library,attorneyLibrary inside the High Court, From Esplanade – Bus & Minibuses of BBD Bag or strand Road.
Stop – BankshalCourt.

• Calcutta University-Situated at College Square. The Pioneer House of education in India.Celebrated 150 year (2006). It consists of Centenary Building, Darbhanga Building &Ashutosh Building.Central Library,Ashutosh Museum & University office insidethe building. From-Esplanade-46,46A,78/1,78C.Stop-University.

• Kolkata Port-Situated at Khidirpur. It is the busiest & biggest in India. Handling over 10 millions tonsof cargo annually.Practically almost half of the total seaturne trade of India. From Esplanade-Tala Park Khidderpore Minibus,S-16,Stop-Khidderpore.

• Kolkata Municipal Corporation-Situated at S.S.N. Banerjee Road(Near Jan Bazar &New Market).The building was designed by Mr.Osmond of M/S Mackintosh Burn & Co. in 1872. The total area covered by the exising complex is 6 Bighas.16 cattahs & 4 Chattacus.The Civic administration of the city is run under provisions of the Kolkata Municipal Act 1980 (as amended).From Esplanade-Walking Distance. Stop-Corporation office.

• Charnock Mausoleum-Situated in the precinets of St. John’s Church Kolkata founder Job Charnock lies buried in the old burial ground of East India Company.From Esplanade – Bus, Tram, & Minibus of BBD Bag. Stop-BBD Bag.

• Dalhousie Square( BBD Bag) -The busy locality is a few minutes walk to the south west of Chowringhee.This is the most important part of the city of Kolkata and is around a picture’s tank ‘Laldighi’ surrounded by Writers Building, G.P.O., Telephone Bhavan, Stephen House & all the government and important commercial offices. Now the name has been changed Binoy Badal Dinesh Bag(BBD Bag). From Esplanade-Bus, Tram & Minibuses of BBD Bag.Stop-BBD Bag.

• Dakshineswar Kali Temple-Situated on the bank of the Ganges near Bally Bridge. The Temple was built by Rani Rashmoni in 1847. The Saint Parampurush Sri Ramkrishna complited his sadhana here. One of the holiest places in the city.Here Swami Vivekananda meeta Sri Ramkrishna for spiritual life.Ph.-2564-5222,Open-7A.M.-12P.M.&3.30P.M.-9P.M. From Esplanade-32 &34 no buses.Dakshineswar-Babughat Minibus.
• Stop-Dakshineswar.

• Eden Gardens-Situated at South side of High Court. A beautiful visiting spot with a Burmese pagoda inside. These public garden were laid out in 1840 by Mrs.Eden, sister of Lord Auckland. Adjoining the Eden Garden is the famous cricket stadium of the world known under the same. From Esplanade -30B, 79D,78/1, 78C, Stop-Babughat or Akashbhani.

• Energy Education Park-This Park Constructed for Solar Energy by Webreda. Near Byepass EP & G.P.Block,Sector-5,Ph:2285-5160(Newly Open Solar Ride Car forPublic)

• Fort William-Situated at the East bank of the Ganga(Hooghly River) and named after King William 111 of England.This is the most important fort ever built by theBritish in India. The Fort area of two square Miles of Kolkata Maidan. Now it is the Head Quarters of Eastern Army Command.From Esplanade-47A,47/1,any Minibus,(Park st.)14/1,3B,
Stop-Fort William.

• Funcity-6.5 k.m. from Behala, Thakurpukur Bazar.Its called Amusement Park.Different play Ride Inside the park. Entry fee Rs.25/-ph:2495-0992 (10-7PM). From Esplanade-75, L75A Raichalk Bus.

• Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu)-The Bridge across the river Hooghly is a fine specimen of structural workmanship. The bridge is the 4th largest canitilver bridge in the world.It was complited in the year 1943 replacing the old paltoon bridge at an enormous cost. From Esplanade-any bus, minibus of Howrah Station. Stop-Howrah Setu.

• G.P.O.-Situated at BBD Bag. The Head Quarters of Kolkata Post Office.A landmark Building & Architectural beauty of Kolkata. From Esplanade-Any buses of BBD Bag/Howrah & Tram.Stop-G.P.O.

• Gurusaday Museum-Near Behala. Bratachari Gurusaday Dutta founded this museum & village.ph: 2467-6084. From Esplanade-36 no.Tram. Different Plays & Exercise through Bratachari teach.

• Government College of Art & Crafts-Situated in the Southern wing of the Indian Museum. The Collection of Indian & Western paintings is large. The collection turned out many of India’s famous painters. From Esplanade Any buses of Park Street. Walking distance from Esplanade. Stop-Museum ph:2249-2027.

• Agro Horticultural Garden-A beautiful flower garden on bardhaman Road. Stop-Garden. From Esplanade-S16, 13,76,
ph:2229-7251.

• Indian Museum-Situated at Chowringhee Road, (27,J.L. Neheru Road, Kol-17) The largest Museum in Asia. The richest collection of geological, arch-aeological, botanical, & textile objects & the skeletal remains unearthed from Harappa & Mahenjodaro are preserved here. From Esplanade-Any buses of Park Street. Stop-Museum, ph: 2249-5699 (Mon Closed).

• Jorasanko Thakur Bari-Situated at Ganesh Takies of North Kolkata.The ThakurBari where Novel Laureate & Great Poet Rabindranath Tagore was born & brought up. Poet’s father Maharshi Debendranath Tagore & his father the Prince of Old Kolkata Dwarakanath Tagore livedin the place. Rabindra Bharati University building has been built within the compounds where study & Research of Dance, Drama, Music & Fine Arts. Light & Sound show (Nov.-Jan. 6-7PM & Feb.-Oct. 6.30-7.30PM) (Monday, Thursday closed). Entry fees Rs. 10/- ph:2269-5241/42 From Esplanade-Bus No. 4B & Tram from BBD Bag(10 & 4). Stop-Thakurbari.

• Kalighat KaliTemple-Situated at the bank of Adi Ganga. A great attraction For Hindu Pilgrims. Kali the goddesss of Power & passion is undoubtedly the presiding deity of Kolkata. The toe of goddess Sati is said to have fallen here. From Esplanade-2,2B,4A,5,6 No. buses & Tollygunge-Howrah, Lake Garden-BBD Bag Minibuses. Open-6AM-2PM & 5PM-10PM, Stop-Kalighat.

• Marble Palace-Situated at Muktarambabu Street (near C. R. Avn.).Marble Palace is the home where great works of Arts are started. The Mallicks whose property it is were great conssieurs of Art. In construction it displaces several architectural styles. Ph2269-3310(Except Mon & Thurs) No admission without prior permission of Govt. of IndiaTourist Office (2282-1402) From Esplanade-47B,S10,30A,L20 & Sinthee More-Beckbagan Minibus.Stop-Muktarambabu Street.

• Metro Railway-India’s first & only Tube Railway at Kolkata from Dumdum to Tollygunge. The Metro covers roughly 18km.at 33 min. in distance pass through the heart of the Metropolis. From Esplanade-Metro Station here.Opposite-Grand Hotel.

• Mahajati Sadan-Situated at C.R. Avenue. A beautiful cultural Auditorium in Kolkata. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Rabindranath Tagore was laid down this Sadan. A Library inside this Sadan. A Permanent Exhibition on Bengal Freedom Fighter with clay models on first floor. Pictures of Freedom fightershows on the Sadan’s wall. Stop-Mahajati Sadan. From Esplanade-30A, 214, 47B, 3B & Minibus.

• Maidan-Located at Mayo Road & Park Street. The green park with play ground for every spot. Maidan means football, a passion in Kolkata. From Esplanade-Walking distance. Stop-Maidan.

• Millenium Park-Situated at fairley place Ferry Ghat. A beautiful & Charming Park on the bank of Hooghly river.Ph:2210-7282(10AM-8PM).Stop-Shipping Corporation, Bus-All buses of Howrah.

• Missionaries of Charity-Mother Theresa started this charity on the base of Kolkata. Mother and her sisters of charity have spread their mission of mercy to all parts of the world. Here Mother died on 3rd September 1997. The Samadhi Khetra has laid down in this House. Stop-Joragirja. From-Esplanade-Kasba Minibus, 205A bus.

• New Market-Situated at Lindsay St. also known as Hogg. Market.An important place for good shopping. A major portion has been converted to a multistoried shopping complex. Stop Lindsey St. From Esplanade-Walking distance.

• Nandan-Situated at Rabindra Sadan. A charming cultural Centre & Cinema Hall for the film enthusiasts. Stop=Rabindra Sadan. From Esplanade-14/1,9A,,47/1,47A & Minibuses.

• National Library-Situated aat Alipore Zoo. One of the best Libraries in the world. Formal name is Imperial Library. Previously it was the official residence of the Lieutenant Governors of Bengal. Stop-Alipore Zoo. From Esplanade-Thakurpukur, Behala Minibuses, 77A bus. Ph:2479-2968.

• Nakhoda Mosque- Situated at Chitpur. A biggest Mosque of Muslims Community. A splendid specimen of Indo Seramic architecture. Stop-Chitpur, Located-North of BBD Bag. From Esplanade-4B Bus,Prince Anwar Sha Rd.-Nimtala Minibus.ph:2235-4183(4PM-11PM).

• Nalban-Located in Saltlake near Nicco park. Paddle Boat, House Boat & Hovercraft are main attraction. Stop-Nicco Park, From Esplanade-MS35,ph:2357-2888(Sector-4) 9AM-9PM.

• Nehru Children’s Museum-Situated at Chowringhee Road & Camac St. crossing.An attractive library for children & has clay Models of Indian Classics. Stop-Rabindrasadan. From esplanade-Buses of Rabindrasadan. Camac St. (Wed-Sun 1-7PM,Thus-3-7PM, Mon Closed).

• Netaji Bhawan-Situated at Elgin Road. Netaji’s own Table, Chair, Bed and Dress display on here. Netaji Bhawan in Kolkata the ancestral house of Subhash Chandra Bose is for Indian of all religious & all classes a place of National pilgrim Age.Open daily 11AM-4.30PM(except Monday). A documentary films of Netaji shows on every day. Stop-Elgin Road.From Esplanade-47/1,47B,47. ph:2475-6139.

• Netaji Indoor Stadium-Situated in front of High Court. Biggest stadium for indoor games. Akashbani & Assembly House near this stadium. Stop-High Court. From Eplanade-Buses of Babughat.

• Nirmal Hriday-Located near Kalighat Tample. Mother Teresa started her mission of mercy at Nirmal Hriday-the sacred heart where dying destitutes are looked after with love & devotion. Stop-Kalighat, From Esplanade 47/1,5,40A buses

• Nicco Park(Jhilmil)- Located in Saltlake City. A children Amusement Park.Varities Rides are here. Stop-Nicco Park. ph-2357-6052/8101-4, Open-11AM-8PM, From Esplanade-MS-35.

• Pareshnath Temple-Located in Badridas Temple Street at Gouribari. Built in 1867. Dedicated to the 24th Jain Teerthankar. Stop-Gouribari. From Esplanade-L14B, 217A buses.
• Police Museum-Situated at Manicktala North D.C. Office.(133 A.P.C. Road Kol-9) Here shows Pistol,Rifel,Bomb,Kartooze of Bengali Freedom Fighter. Open Daily Except Monday(11AM-5PM) Stop-Manicktala. From Esplanade-79D,30B,30D.

• Princep Ghat -Dedicated byJames Prince greatIndian friend, social worker & a numismatist. This ghat is very nice. It is covered by beautiful light & flowers. Stop-Princep Ghat.

• Rabindra Bharati Museum-Locqated near Ganesh takies. Extensive collection on Bengal Renaissance of the 19th Century. Stop-Rabindra Bharati. From Esplanade-4B Bus, Tram (4 & 10) from BBD Bag.

• Rabindra Sadan-Located in the south east corner of Maidan. Auditorium of Bengali culture. Many cultural Programs & exhibitions are held.

• Rabindra Sarovar-Located in Southern Avenue. An attractive spot for picnic & Water Sports. Stadium is main attractions. Stop-Lake, From Esplanade-47A, Metro Rail.

• Race Course-Situated at the Southern end of the Maidan. The Royal Kolkata Tuff Club which conducts the race in the city was founded in 1847. A remarkable feature is that an uninterrupted view of the racing can be obtained from any point. Stop-Race Course. From Esplanade-77A, Thakurpukur, Behala Minibus.

• Raj Bhaban-Located in BBD Bag. The Residence of the Governor of West Bengal. Earlier the house of Viceroy. Stop-Raj Bhaban. From Esplanade-Walking distance. Ph:2220-1641

• Sabarna Sangrahashala - The Sabarna Sangrahashala is a unique family museum created and developed by the Sabarna Roy
Choudhury Paribar Parishad. The museum located at Barisha in Kolkata is now a great tourist attraction. Everyday many visitors come to witness the past of Kolkata and get a glimpse of the Bengali Society. The museum has become a inevitable place of education for students of history and research associates. It also maintains a Library and Reading Room for ready reference.

The gallery displays hundreds of rare articles, maps,Kabulatipatras and documents which includes the historical Lease Deed of 1698 portraying the Right to rent of the three villages of Sutanuti, Kalikatah and Govindapur given to the East India Company. Visitors may also learn more about the landmark Judgement delivered by the Hon'ble Kolkata High Court dismissing the name of Job Charnock as the founder of Kolkata and the date 24th August, 1690 as the City's birthday. The exclusive collection of rare Coins and Stamps are an added attraction for numismatics and philatelists. Special exhibitions are also held where some new and exclusive historical source materials or articles of utmost value are displayed for common visitors.

If Kolkata is to be explored then one must visit the Sabarna Sangrahashala to quench his or her thirst for knowledge about the history of the city. The museum is open to all everyday, except Thursdays, from 10 am to 12 noon and from 5 pm to 7 pm. Entry is absolutely free. So have a glimpse of the Real Kolkata. History talks here.

Sabarna Sangrahashala, Saptarshi Bhawan, Baro Bari, Barisha, Kolkata- 700008. W.B, India. Contact: 9830289400

Location: Baro Bari, Barisha Sakherbazar near Annapurna Temple.

• Saheed Minar (Monument)-Located in esplanade. In recognition of triumph in Nepalese War. This Minar is 152 ft. High Land mark is a blend of Egyptian, Syrian & Turkish architectural styles. Stop-Esplanade.

• Science City-Located in E.M.Bypass. Centre for contemporary Science. A big Auditorium is here. Attractive science activities are all age group. Stop-Science City. Entry fee:Rs. 10/- ph-2285-4343/2607/2569, From Esplanade-S23,C1,E2 buses.

• Salt Lake Stadium(Juvo Bharati Krirangan)-Located in Saltlake Beliaghata crossing. Biggest stadium in Asia.Capacity- 1.20 lakhs. Football Matches are usually played here. Many cultural functions are held. Stop-Stadium. From Esplanade-E2 bus.

• Swabhumi(Heritage plaza)-Located in Bye pass, crossing of Beliaghata. Here exhibit different handicrafts of all Indian States including West Bengal.Stop-Opp.Stadium. ph:2321-5488(Open-12PM-9PM) Ticket-20/-,2320-5487.

• St. Pauls Cathedral-Situated near Birla Planetorium. This old church built in 1847, Stop-Planetorium. From Esplanade-Any buses of Rabindra Sadan.

• Thanthonia Kali Mandir-Built by great Sankar Ghosh. Open5.45AM-12.30 AM. & 3PM-10PM. From Esplanade-34B,78/1,2B & Tram No.1,5.

• Town Hall-Located near Assembly House. The Historical hall had been the venue of public meetings & social gatherings,Calcutta Panorama India’s first hi-tech story telling museum inside the hall. Stop-High Court. From Esplanade-Walking Distance, ph:2248-3085(11-5)

• Victoria Memorial-Located in Red Road & Queensway junction. Built in white marble on line of Taj Mahal in memory of Queen Victoria.It has a highly interesting collection of pictures, Status, manuscripts etc. relating to the Nawabi & British times in Bengal “A fountain of light” has been created infront of the Memorial on the Northern side. Sound & Light Shows-Oct.-Feb.6.15-7PM(Bengali) & 7-7.45PM and after then upto 8.45pm(English) (Monday closeed). Rate of Ticket-Rs.5/-& Rs.10/-. Entry from Church Gate Stop-Planetorium. From Esplanade-Any buses of Rabindra Sadan. Ph:2223-5142/1889,Daily-10-5.Memorial Garden-Entry Rs.5/-.

• Lokenath Temple-Located at Tegharia in Baguiati. This Wonderful Temple is dedicated to Baba Lokenath through Jayanta Lamp Industry. Bus Route-44,46, Stop-Tegharia; from Ultadanga-211, 211A, from Sealdah-46B, Stop-Lokenath Mandir.

• Vidyasagar Setu(2nd Hooghly Bridge)-Located in Hastings. Longest Cable stayed bridge in Asia. Stop-Hastings. From Esplanade-S16, 3A, Tala Park-Khidderpore Minibuses,C-6.

• Vivekananda Bridge-The Vivekananda Bridge spans the Hooghly River at Bally. Its features include at 5.5 m. to & fro-roadway for vehicles at 2.4 rn. to & fro path way for pedestrians & a double rail track. The New Vivekananda Bridge is now under construction.

• Vivekananda’s house-Situated at 3,Gour Mohan Mukherjee Street(Vivekananda Road) Kolkata. The birth place of Swamiji has renovated a new cultural complex & a Text Book Library under Ramkrishna Mission. The name is Swami Vivekananda ancestral house & cultural centre. Visiting hour-11AM.-1PM. & 2PM.-5.30PM Monday closed. Ph:2219-2030,2257-0213-15. From Esplanade-34B,234/1,78/1, Tram-1,5. Stop-Hedua.

• Writer’s Buildings-Located in BBD Bag. House of West Bengal Secretariat. Stop-BBD Bag. From- Esplanade- Any buses of BBD Bag (Dalhousie) ph:2214-5600.

Courtesy : Bloom9

Kolkata in Kolkata | Feastguru.com

2009-11-18T17:02:00.005+05:30

Kolkata in Kolkata | Feastguru.com

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Kolkata in Kolkata | Feastguru.com

2009-11-18T17:02:00.004+05:30

Kolkata in Kolkata | Feastguru.com

Posted using ShareThis

aLl tHe KinGs MeN aNd tHeIr HoRsEs

2009-11-15T22:15:00.004+05:30

A common sight in the Maidan..the Kolkata Mounted Police..patrolling the green fields on horseback..and occasionally smiling at photographers(not this time though,they were suspicious of me i guess)..some of the horses in their stable are gigantic,trust me..

i remember an instance when i,along with some of my friends, was standing in a queue outside a makeshift ticket counter near the Eden Gardens cricket stadium,that was selling tickets during a test match, and trouble broke out with the near-fanatic surely lunatic cricket enthusiasts suddenly creating nuisance(the reason i could not make out)..and just at that moment,the cavalry wing of the kolkata police stepped in with their massive horses..i remember how everyone panicked like hell..lol..including me..people started running and horses started galloping..it was quite a scene..heh..eventually though, the police rode away..sensing they had caused much more trouble to everyone than those lunatic cricket enthusiasts had caused..

sTrAy-mEn,bAbIeS aNd OuR BeSt fRiEnDs

2009-11-15T22:06:00.004+05:30

This picture was taken while i was walking down chowringhee road on my own..after college hours..near the Maidan metro station..and it is really a touching snap and at the same time..cute..you must agree..moments before this pic was taken, this strong toddler was carrying his canine playmate on his shoulders..hehe..