How Calcutta Illumination Project Lights Up Kolkata's Heritage Sites

Kolkata, a city deeply enriched in history and culture, boasts an extraordinary collection of architectural marvels that reflect its grand past. It stands out as one of the few metropolitan cities in India with such a profound built heritage that is still around and that remain untouched by the relentless waves of real estate development—and the Calcutta Illumination Project understands this. The city is adorned with remarkable colonial-era structures like the majestic General Post Office with its intricate façade, the imposing Writers’ Building that once served as the seat of the colonial administration, and the serene surroundings of St. John’s Church.

Let There Be Light

As dusk falls, many of these historic buildings are illuminated in a dazzling display. This spectacle is part of a larger revival effort spearheaded by The Calcutta Illumination Project (CIP), which seeks to breathe new life into Kolkata's architectural gems. Through meticulous restoration and innovation, the project aims to preserve iconic structures, ensuring that their stories are not forgotten while also reinvigorating the city’s cultural landscape. As evening falls over the City of Joy, these heritage structures are lit up, and you can see the wondrous architectural details, showcasing echoes of the past.

How Calcutta Illumination Project Came About

The Calcutta Illumination Project began as a visionary endeavor initiated by Mudar Patherya, a passionate businessman, heritage activist, and writer, in collaboration with like-minded individuals. The spark for this project ignited one September morning in 2023, as Patherya navigated the bustling streets of north Kolkata along APC Road. I probe deeper to learn more about the night.

While in conversation with Outlook Traveller, he reveals that his gaze fell upon the iconic dome atop the Maniktala market, its grandeur somewhat dulled by time. He envisioned the dome rejuvenated with a vibrant coat of paint that would restore its former glory.

Next, Patherya quickly shared his thoughts in a WhatsApp group titled "Calcutta Restore," articulating his desire to see the dome transformed. To his surprise, within moments, former police commissioner Soumen Mitra responded, facilitating a connection with Debasish Dutta, the officer-in-charge at the nearby Burtolla police station. With Dutta's enthusiastic support, Patherya reached out to the market association, and together, they orchestrated the much-needed painting of the dome.

However, after the dome was restored, Patherya felt a pang of disappointment as night fell; the enchanting structure was swallowed by darkness, rendering it invisible after sunset. This realisation sparked a new idea—to illuminate the dome and highlight its architectural beauty for all to appreciate, even under the cover of night.

A Community Project

Patherya soon realised that to bring his vision of illuminating buildings to life, he would need to harness the power of crowdfunding. He took to WhatsApp, crafting heartfelt messages that conveyed his passion and ambitions, and sent them to his network. The response was overwhelming and encouraging, a testament to the community's support and belief in his initiative.

Energised by this outpouring of enthusiasm, he set his sights on a grander scale, seeking to transform the façades of buildings throughout the city. Thus, the Calcutta Illumination Project was born with a bold plan to illuminate approximately 500 structures over the next few years, Putharya tells.

Today, most of the funding for these lighting initiatives comes from the generosity of community-driven crowdfunding efforts, showcasing the power of collective action in enhancing Kolkata's rich cultural heritage.

Lighting Kolkata's Heritage Monuments

Among the illumination projects are the ones that highlight the elegant contours of the Sacred Heart Church, the striking columns of the Greek Orthodox Church, the bustling façade of New Market, and several charming private residences, all transformed into canvases of light and artistry. The installed lights emit a warm yellow hue, carefully chosen to enhance the architectural beauty of each building.

The lighting is on from sunset until approximately 9:00 to 9:30 PM. "I realised that having the lights too strong or on all night wouldn’t be right for the neighbourhood or for avian life. They need to be soft and aesthetic—not like garish wedding lights," says Patherya while speaking to Outlook Traveller. He believes that the buildings are delicate and it's essential to treat them like a 'visual symphony' rather than a loud music concert. He believes that light is fundamental to architecture, allowing us to see shapes and colours after dark. It celebrates structures as architectural, social, and historical landmarks.

Patherya has developed an innovative approach to keep the project moving forward by transforming the illumination project into an experiential one. "The more I illuminate, the more I realise that this isn't the real challenge. The real challenge is transforming the physical into the experiential. For instance, classic orchestra music performances can be held at these illuminated sites."

Till then, the City of Joy shines a little bit brighter, thanks to the Calcutta Illumination Project.