Exciting Facts About Kolkata’s Christmas
Kolkata, the city of joy is also the city famous for its rich traditions. You will be able to observe the celebration of almost every occasion if you spend a year in Kolkata. Kolkata is never left behind to celebrate an occasion, irrespective of religion. Similarly, Christmas in Kolkata is celebrated with utmost enthusiasm and excitement like any other festival.
History
The celebration of Christmas in Kolkata dates back to British rule. Since the time when Kolkata was the capital of the British empire in India, It was organised joyously amidst Kolkata. Kolkata left the rule of the British, however, it could never get detached from the Christmas status given to the city by the Britishers. In 2011, the Tourism department of West Bengal took the initiative and made the celebration even large scale.
The Christmas festival of Kolkata
If you want to experience the true sentiment of Kolkata and Christmas eve you should visit Park street on Christmas eve. The entire lane is ornamented with Christmas lights along with stalls for food and other decorative items. You will find people buzzing around the entire night. If you want a good place to eat, Park street is a great place to find any type of cuisine you are craving on the chilly night of December.
Authentic bakes
A variety of Christmas cake designs forms the basis of the Christmas celebration in Kolkata. You will find plenty of bakeries around the town but the Jews instil the best possible flavours and Christmas cake designs to bring forth the essence of Christmas. Pay a visit to Nahoum & Sons and get a taste of authentic baking that has been their tradition for over 100 years now. The long queue in front of the shop every year is a vital part of Kolkata’s Christmas that will stay forever.
Bow Barracks
In order to experience the true Christmas spirit, you should visit a place filled with Christian population. Bow Barracks houses numerous original Anglo-Indians who celebrate Christmas Eve in the traditional way. Here the Santa Claus will enter in a hand pulled Rickshaw to integrate the essence of Kolkata along with Christmas. Rumours state that earlier, needy kids would gather up here in search of food and one year on Christmas a man came in with food on a hand pulled rickshaw. It has been a ritual ever since. It is kept up every year and will be followed on Christmas 2021 as well.
St Paul’s Cathedral
The largest Cathedral in Kolkata, and it is also among one of the oldest ones. A midnight mass is held in the St Paul’s Cathedral every year on Christmas eve. People from all religions can gather here to enjoy the scene. It is accompanied by music, choirs and a lot of enjoyment. You will find the church is gorgeously lit up in Christmas lights along with a Christmas tree, and other decorations. The high ceilings and thick walls make the carols echo which in total gives a mesmerizing experience.
Party time!
Christmas of Kolkata is also known for its late night parties. The nightclubs give out special discounts on Christmas eve. If you ever feel lonely you can hop in one of the parties and get along with the others. It is also a great way to celebrate Christmas with your friends. Party out the night and be home by the next morning. The environment will sure drive you crazy and make you dance like mad. You can also visit other parties like, reading and poem parties which are also organised in Kolkata during Christmas.
The largest Christmas Carnival
the Christmas carnival initiated by the West Bengal Government has taken the form of one largest carnivals to be organised in the entire of East India. It has gained immense popularity in the growing years. The Christmas carnival starts on Christmas week and extends till the beginning of the new year. It gained even more popularity when foreign tourists started crowing and appreciating the arrangements. During Christmas, the carnival is one of the most crowded places in Eastern India.
Deer park
Sir Elijah Impey, the Chief Justice of Supreme Court around the year 1773 built the deer park as a form of amusement for kids as well as adults. So many years have passed since eventually there are no remains of the park. However, it is believed that Santa comes in a reindeer, so the only place he comes down in on Park Street, Kolkata, where the park was located. Kolkata has amazing ways of celebrating the fun and happiness of Christmas. You can choose the ones you like the most and go on with it. Most of these facts about Christmas eve in Kolkata is not known to the masses. We hope you will enjoy Christmas 2021 even more now that it is known to you.
Make sure to read 10 Best Ways to Celebrate Christmas
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