21 Experiences You’ll Instantly Relate To If You’ve Grown Up In Kolkata
The city of joy is my oldest friend. A friend whom I met while roaming in durga puja or visiting Dakshineswar temple. When I roamed around the streets during “Pujo” or simply rode my first cycle in the unknown path of north Kolkata. Having grown up in Kolkata, these are some of the experiences that I can guarantee every one from Kolkata will relate to instantly.
Visits Nicco Park or Science City were the best childhood outings
Having grown up in Kolkata, what defined us as brave kids was if we got scared while entering the dinosaur mouth in Science City or not. Sitting in the Cyclone or the big aquatic slides in Nicco Park or simply crashing into your friends in a bumpy car were one of those things everyone looked forward to the most.
Yellow means cab
Kolkata, unlike most cities in Kolkata, has yellow taxies with a blue stripe instead of the usual yellow and black. Living in Kolkata, these ambassadors with the driver in grey were obviously one of the most common modes of transportation.
Monsoon meant water-logging
That meant sudden school holidays which gave us ample time to set sail our paper boats to far off lands, jumping on puddles and splashing water on friends and of course Maggi and pakoras.
Fountain Show in Victoria
The light and fountain show in Victoria was indeed one of the most beautiful things in Kolkata. The tram drive around Victoria just added on to the beauty. These were often followed by magnificent horse and carriage rides or just a run in the vast maidan.
Book Fairs
We may visit 1001 book fairs all over the world but the book fair in Maidan had a charm of its own. The International winter fair is one of the best and is primarily for the general public rather than whole-sale distributors.
School trips to Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM) of Indian museum, Botanical garden, Birla Planetarium were the most enjoyable
Having grown up in Kolkata, Indian Museum and Birla Industrial and Technological Museum made us realize how fun learning could be. From standing in awe under the gigantic 250 year old banyan tree, to “stargazing” in the planetarium these school days were one of the best.
PC Sorcar’s magic shows
He brought the magical world we dreamed about to life. A bunny jumping out of your hat or a coin from your ear, PC Sorcar’s magic show is something that fascinated everyone.
Countless visits to New Market
Experiences in Kolkata included shopping for clothes at Shree Ram Arcade, Nahoum’s plum cake, and Treasure Island. Eating chicken rolls in Nizam, and tonnes of other local delight. New Market was the one stop destination for all.
Dinner hotspot was Peter Cat, Bar B Q, Kwality Restaurant and good old Amber
Half of our weekends when waiting in line for a table at these restaurants but it was worth every second. Sizzlers of Peter Cat, Paneer butter masala of Amber, Dal Makhani of Bar B Q all of these have a special place in our hearts.
Music World at Park Street
Before the Sunburn , life in Kolkata meant Music World was the most common relaxing and raving spot. Reserved for cool kids only obviously. Nothing better than grabbing a burger or a roll later.
Rabindra sangeet
Tagore’s songs, affectionately called Rabindra Sangeet unites all of Bengal. Living in Kolkata dancing and humming the tunes, “Pagla hawa” (wild wind) , and “Ore Grihobashi khol dar” (Open, step out of your door) is almost involuntary.
Eden Garden
Cheering for Team India, our knights in Purple or simply enjoying the sport. Watching a cricket match in Eden Garden is always a good experience in Kolkata.
College street
Living in Kolkata. Everyone knows where to go if they are looking for a book. That small shop in the old lane. The one kilometre long lane is one of the largest book stores in India. A trip to college street before the start of the school year followed by a cup of coffee from Coffee House was a must.
Happy streets
Enjoying Sunday mornings full of fun and energy by doing various activities like running, skating, zumba or playing outdoor games on the street of the heart of the city like badminton, basketball, football, cricket. Happy Street was a perfect escape from everyday rush.
Football
Life in Kolkata meant cheering for Mohun Bagan F.C, Atletico de Kolkata, watching U-17 matches in Salt Lake Stadium or playing football. The sport is loved immensely by all.
Morning Walks
Walks in Rabindra Sarobar lakes with migratory birds flying around and rowers rowing hard in the lake. In Victoria Maidan with the vast fields all around with the view of the magnificent Victoria Memorial. All of this followed by a relaxed gossip and breakfast session. Morning experiences in Kolkata have a magical charm of their own.
Sweets
The sweet tooth of Bengalis, as well as the variety of sweets and desserts available in the region, is astounding. Sweets made from Nollen Gur, which is obtained from dates, is a delicacy. Eating Roshogulla, Mishti Doi, Malpua are some of the best experiences of Kolkata.
Street Food
Jhal Muri, Puchka, Egg roll, these lip smacking snacks were the biggest delights to our taste buds. Kolkata undoubtedly boasts of super-delicious food
Christmas
Christmas at Park Street is filled with hues of red and green and going to various Carnivals and testing your luck is truly a remarkable experience in Kolkata . A symbol of religious diversity and acceptance, everyone in the city unites with a red cap and sweet wishes from Santa!
Durga Puja
Living in Kolkata the month October translates to Durga Puja for everyone who has lived in Kolkata or grown up in Kolkata. Going pandal hopping all night while relishing the tasty food, enjoying the games in the stalls and of course the shopping. The 10 days of “pujo” breathes life into every corner of the city.
Fish
Fish delicacies are an important part of Kolkata’s food tradition and culture. From celebrating in a function to everyday meal, dishes like Ilish Bhape, fish curry or simple crispy fish fingers, have found their way. This experiences of Kolkata are indeed heartwarming.
Kolkata is a colorful city in terms of everything and Bengalis just need one reason or another to celebrate. These experiences of Kolkata were indeed heartwarming.