5 Things To Do In Kolkata This Weekend

The City of Joy, Kolkata, is always buzzing with a multitude of things to do, and this weekend is especially packed with some incredible events. From a festival of Indie cinema and documentaries at the National Library to traditional Urdu storytelling and a festival celebrating the culture of Rajasthan, you won't want to miss out. Make sure to check out these five incredible events—they're definitely worth pausing your busy schedule for.

An Evening Of Stories

Don't miss the chance to experience a mesmerising performance of Dastangoi by Mahmood Farooqui, a renowned writer, actor, and director known for his significant contributions to reviving this traditional form of Urdu storytelling dating back to the 13th century. Farooqui's performances are marked by powerful narration, rich language, and minimalistic staging, captivating the audience using only the storyteller's voice and gestures. A Rhodes Scholar from the University of Oxford, Farooqui has also authored "Besieged: Voices from Delhi 1857," a significant historical work delving into the Indian perspective of the 1857 Rebellion. He has also written extensively on cultural, historical, and social issues, contributing to the broader discourse on Indian arts and history. Additionally, Farooqui co-directed “Peepli Live” (2010), a critically acclaimed satirical film exploring the issue of farmer suicides in India.

When: August 4, 6 pm to 7 pm

Where: GD Birla Sabhaghar, 29, Ashutosh Choudhry Avenue, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019

Shop With Indie Brands

Get ready for a day of shopping at The Haat, an annual event that brings together over 70 stalls featuring bespoke trendy clothing, luxury designer jewellery, home decor, and more from Indie brands. From stylish sarees to elegant tunics, dresses, kurtis, and party wear, as well as unique silver and handmade jewellery, home furnishings, skincare, accessories, and gifts, The Haat has it all. In addition, don't miss out on the chance to discover one-of-a-kind rakhis just in time for the upcoming festival.

When: August 1 to 3

Where: 24, Ashutosh Chowdary Ave, Ballygunge Park, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019

Experience Rajasthan In Kolkata

The second edition of Ramjhol is all set to take place over the weekend. Ramjhol signifies the essence of bonding, fostering networking, exchange, and the delight of gathering for joyous occasions. The festival will seamlessly combine the essence of Rajasthan and Kolkata, blending art, crafts, literature, music, dance, games, and food. Throughout the four-day festival, attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the wonders of Rajasthani culture through an array of engaging programmes and performances. Highlights of the festival include an exhibition celebrating traditional craftspeople, captivating musical performances, enthralling story-telling sessions, insightful talks, immersive art, craft, dance, and culinary workshops, a vibrant Rajasthani chat corner, traditional games, a diverse selection of books, and more.

When: August 1 to 4

Where: Dipak Road, Eastern Metropolitan Bypass Rd, Anandapur, Adarsha Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700107

An International Dance Fest

Don't forget to check out the Dance Bridges Festival at ICCR Kolkata. The festival will open with a ceremony followed by a performance by the ĐEP| VAN HUYNH COMPANY from the United Kingdom. With his latest dance work, UK-based choreographer Dam Van Huynh explores influences from his Southeast Asian heritage. The movement in ĐẸP, accompanied by Martyna Poznanska’s stunning score, invites the audience to let go and experience the feeling of being alive. The Dance Bridges Festival is an international dance biennial that celebrates a diverse range of contemporary dance. In addition to the main festival, the organisation supports year-round activities and is curated by a programming committee based in London, Taipei, and Kolkata. Over the past editions, Dance Bridges has presented performances, residencies, workshops, artist talks, and film screenings, collaborating with more than 70 independent artists and dance companies from over 30 countries. This event will be the 5th edition of the festival and will be held in Kolkata from August 1-5 with extended events till August 11.

When: August 1 to 5

Where: ICCR, 9A, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kankaria Estates, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071

Watch Indie Films

If you like cinema that is not from the mainstream, hit up Fest5 International Film Festival. The event will unite filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema enthusiasts worldwide. The F5IFF, scheduled at the iconic National Library Auditorium in Kolkata, celebrates cinematic excellence, cultural diversity, and artistic expression. Among the films scheduled for the festival is "My Radio My Life." Set in the 21st century, the film revisits the golden radio era in India, which was the dominant, popular, and only source of entertainment, news, and knowledge. The "Fukushima Disaster - The Hidden Side of the Story" by US director Philippe Carillo reveals the terrible facts about nuclear energy. "System Change - A Story of Growing Resistance" by German director Klaus Sparwasser is about an event where two thousand cops challenge two hundred tree squatters in an ancient forest in the middle of Germany that is to make way for a nonsensical motorway. "THREADS," by director Cathy Stevulak, is about a visionary leader in Bangladesh who frees herself and hundreds of other women and families from poverty and social hardships by creating timeless works of art.

When: August 2 to 3

Where: National Library Auditorium, Belvedere Rd, Block A, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027