Breakfast Cruise On The River, JazzFest, A Museum Concert, And More: Here's What's Happening In Kolkata This Weekend

Kolkata is a city that never slows down, especially during winter when the cultural scene truly comes alive. This weekend, you'll find yourself with an abundance of choices that cater to every interest! You can watch a play, attend the legendary JazzFest, enjoy performances of Indian classical music and dance, or go to a concert by Prateek Kuhad. If you prefer a more leisurely experience, embark on a delightful breakfast cruise along the serene Hooghly. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, why not register for the annual Tata Steel Marathon? Here’s our lineup of the best things to do in Kolkata this week.

The Best Of Indian Classical

One of the biggest festivals of Indian classical music and dance, the Swara Samrat Festival, is set to present its 12th season. Dedicated to the Sarod legend Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, this annual four-day festival takes place during the winter months in Kolkata. This year’s line-up features classical greats such as Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. Attendees can enjoy a Dhrupad duet performed by Pt. Umakant Gundecha (vocal), Anant Gundecha (vocal), and Pt. Akhilesh Gundecha (pakhawaj). Other artists include Pt. Shubhendra Rao (sitar), Ustad Akram Khan (tabla), Vinay Desai (santoor), Bharatnatyam dancer Malavika Sarukkai, Vid. Patri Satish Kumar (mridangam), Pt. Srinivas Joshi (vocal), Pt. Debashish Bhattacharya (sarod), and many more. Tickets and the full schedule are available online at BookMyShow.

When: December 14–15

Where: Nazrul Mancha, Southern Park Southern Avenue, near Rabindra Sarobar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020-

Catch Prateek Kuhad Live

Not many people know that former U.S. President Barack Obama included Prateek Kuhad's song "Cold/Mess" on his annual list of favourite music. Kuhad, the singer-songwriter renowned for this hit, is currently on his much-anticipated Silhouettes world tour. Experience Kuhad's stunning voice and heartfelt songwriting live this weekend! This concert is especially noteworthy because he will perform with his full band, creating an unforgettable and magical atmosphere. If you enjoy singing along to hits like "Kho Gaye Hum Kahan," "Kasoor," and more, don't miss this extraordinary concert—it promises to be a night to remember!

When: 14 December, 6 PM onwards

Where: Aquatica, Kouchpukur,P.O Hathgachia, near Rajarhat

All That Jazz

The highly anticipated annual jazz festival, Jazzfest, is returning for another exciting year. The three-day event will kick off with the Paddy Quartet, which will pay tribute to the legendary John Coltrane. Following them, the Kubo Wojick Trio will showcase modern jazz infused with a contemporary flair. The German powerhouse Malstrom will take the stage, bringing avant-garde vibes to the festival. Other exciting acts include Datascape, an ensemble of Indian electronic jazz artists who will blend their unique sounds. The Copenhagen Calcutta Connection will feature a collaboration between Indian and Danish artists alongside the Silvan Joray Quartet. Kolkata-based The Big Other will perform gypsy jazz in homage to their inspiration, Django Reinhardt. Look out for Khamira, an ensemble of Welsh and Indian artists. Lastly, Hillai Govreen & Friends will perform, with Govreen collaborating with musicians from Switzerland and India.

When: December 13-15, 6 PM onwards. Seating on first-come basis.

Where: The Dalhousie Institute, 42 Jhowtala Rd, Park Circus, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019

Watch A Play

Manav Kaul, theatre director, playwright, author, actor, and filmmaker, is bringing Aranya’s production "Trasaadi" to Kolkata this weekend. This moving solo performance delves into the deep grief associated with losing one’s mother. Kaul founded Aranya Theatre Group in 2004 and has written and directed numerous plays. He has also collaborated as an actor with notable theatre directors, including Satyadev Dubey, Sunil Shanbag, and Alok Chatterjee.

When: December 15, 6:30 PM onwards

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

A Concert At Indian Museum

The Indian Museum in Kolkata is among the oldest museums in the world. Its origins date back to the Asiatic Society of Bengal, where the collection began to be curated in 1814. Nathaniel Wallich, a Danish botanist, is recognised as the museum's founder and first curator. From time to time, the museum hosts events within its atmospheric premises. This weekend, it will feature "Twenty Together," an exclusive concert celebrating 20 years of collaboration between Kolkata musicians Sourendro and Soumyojit. Renowned for their global performances and collaborations with various artists, the duo will present an evening that highlights the original works they have created over the years. The concert will take place in the museum courtyards, and it will include a band of musicians and a choir. Admission is free.

When: December 17, 7 PM onwards

Where: Indian Museum, 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Fire Brigade Head Quarter, New Market Area, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016

Breakfast On The Hooghly With A Dose Of Heritage

Calcutta, now known as Kolkata, began as a collection of riverside hamlets along the sacred Hooghly River. Throughout history, the river has played a crucial role in the city's rise and growth. Although Kolkata has expanded significantly in size and infrastructure, its connection to the river remains strong. Sign up for a morning breakfast cruise which takes place on weekends. Hosted by the award-winning organisation Immersive Trails in collaboration with The Barge Company, you will explore the city from the river. You will learn about the historic ghats that represent the closest link between the city and the river, discover the industrial twin city of Howrah, and marvel at iconic structures like the Howrah Bridge and Howrah Station. The cruise also includes a short heritage walk along the strand of the old Vaishnavite cult centre and the former Dutch colony of Baranagar, which have deep connections to the Freedom Movement. Cup Ebong, a popular Kolkata café, will serve a delicious breakfast on the cruise.

When: Weekends

Where: Outram Ghat, Zubeda Manzil, Eden Gardens Railway Station, B B D Bagh, Kolkata 700021

Sign Up For A Marathon

In Kolkata, runners eagerly anticipate the third Sunday in December due to the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata (TSW25K), a marathon which has become synonymous with running in eastern India since its inception in 2014. The TSW 25K Kolkata is one of the largest running festivals in India, and more than 20,500 runners will participate in the event. This year, the event ambassador is Sulzeer Jeremiah "Sol" Campbell, a former English football player. Widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs of his generation, he had a distinguished 20-year career in the Premier League and an 11-year international career with the England national team. Additionally, this year, an All-Women Squad of Pacers will lead the 10K at the Tata Steel World 25K.

When: December 15

Where: Red Road, near Maidan