THE BEST CITY OF JOY 1 City of Joy: A Journey to the Heart of Calcutta THE BEST CITY OF JOY 1 The City of Joy, a word often used to describe the Indian city of Kolkata, is home to a forgotten layer of history, culture and power. Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of the state of West Bengal and one of the largest cities in India. The term “City of Joy” was popularized by French author Dominique Lapierre, who wrote a novel of the same name that captured the essence of Kolkata during a time of poverty and chaos. Historical and cultural highlights THE BEST CITY OF JOY 1 A journey through the history of Kolkata is rich and turbulent, spanning centuries of cultural change. It was the first capital of British India from 1772 to 1911, during which time it became the centre of British colonial rule, education and trade. The legacy of this era is still evident in the city’s grand buildings, museums and landmarks, including the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge and the Indian Museum. It has influenced Indian literature, art, drama, music and film. Great figures such as Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-THE BEST CITY OF JOY 1European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, and poets such as Kazi Nazrul Islam, who gave a unique voice to the Bengali people, have their roots in Kolkata. The city also played a significant role in India’s independence movement, with movements such as the Bengal Renaissance and the rise of revolution taking place there. The Spirit of Kolkata Despite the city’s rapid growth, Kolkata has retained its traditional charm, with a great sense of community, literature, music, festivals and food. The phrase “City of Joy” perfectly sums up the paradox of Kolkata: a city filled with extreme poverty, overcrowding and hardship, yet filled with warmth, friendliness and joy in the face of poverty. One of the most dangerous aspects of the city is its people. Kolkata is a diverse place, a melting pot of cultures, languages and religions. The Bengali community, with its own unique language and culture, thrives alongside people from different cultures, all of whom make the city a multi-layered story. This tradition is evident in the city’s festivals, especially during Durga Puja, Bengal’s biggest festival, when the streets are filled with colour, music and fun. Poverty and Depression The paradox of joy in poverty is unique to Kolkata. While the city is rich in wealth, it is also home to some of the poorest communities in the country. Kolkata’s slums, such as Kidderpore and Kidderpore, are among the largest in India. But despite the extreme poverty and squalor, Kolkata’s residents exude courage, hope and value. This protection can be found in the myriad small businesses, local businesses and the distribution of power among street vendors and artisans who are an integral part of city life. A city in pursuit of knowledge Calcutta has long been a center of wisdom and conversation. The city’s universities, including the University of Calcutta, Jadavpur University and Presidency University, are among the best in India. Calcutta’s intellectual scene, especially in literature and the arts, attracts thinkers, writers and political leaders from around the world. It shows the fusion of traditional Bengali studies with international studies. Calcutta’s intellectual history is intertwined with its social structure, the movements for the rights of women, workers and the oppressed, and the movements that emerged along these lines. A city with a difference. On one side, there are towering skyscrapers and modern shopping malls, bustling business districts and luxury restaurants, while on the other, there are still narrow streets, dilapidated buildings and traditional shops. Howrah Railway Station is one of the largest railway stations in the country, a reflection of the city’s chaos and cultural diversity, symbolizing the problems of city governance. There is something haunting about the daily grind of life in this city. Rickshaws pulled by pushcarts, trains rolling through the streets, and the delicious smells of street food are all part of Kolkata’s unique identity. Kolkata’s food culture is rich and diverse, with signature dishes like fish curry, mishti (sweets), and puchka (pani puri). Celebrate the Spirit Kolkata is perhaps best known for its festivals. The most famous of these is the grand Durga Puja, which celebrates the victory of the Hindu goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. During this time, the city transforms into a spectacular display of art and culture with temporary pandals (structures) dotted around the city, each more beautiful and well- designed than the last. Parades, music, dance and community gatherings make Durga Puja a unique occasion of joy and unity. A unique blend of opposites, a city that preserves tradition while maintaining modernity. A place where beauty and poverty coexist, where the people are strong, intelligent, powerful and passionate about life, creating an unforgettable experience for all visitors. With its rich heritage, intellectual heritage and magnificent festivals, Kolkata maintains its reputation as a cheerful and lively city despite its differences.
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