There is a lot going on in Kolkata right now as the spring season comes in. You can buy handcrafted quilts at the annual festival by a women's organisation set up in 1944; or watch a performance of kathak accompanied by the piano and tabla. Perhaps take half a day to explore the unique wetlands of Kolkata. Or take a food tour and experience the legendary cabin eateries of the city that date back many decades. If you are in the Kolkata this weekend, here is a curated list of things to do.
February 2 is observed as World Wetlands Day to create public awareness about the benefits and importance of conserving wetlands. This year, India increased its total number of Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance) from 75 to 80 by designating five new wetlands. Among the unique ones is the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW). Designated as a Ramsar site in 2002, it is located on the eastern outskirts of Kolkata, with the Salt Lake township on one side and the new Rajarhat township on the other. The EKW is considered to be unique, as it is responsible for the world's largest wastewater-fed aquaculture system. Read more about it in our story here. Kolkata Explorers (a division of Green Step Tourism) is hosting a guided tour to the wetlands of eastern Kolkata this weekend. Walk down the huge water bodies where fish is cultivated. More info here.
What: East Kolkata Wetlands Walk
When: February 4, 2024. 8am to 11am
Where: Meet at Chandra Gardens gate no. 2, opposite Science City, at 8 am.
Pick up handmade clothing and accessories at the annual Nari Seva Sangha Spring Fest. They are known for making simple kanthas for homes, and cosy handknitted woollens. The event will also have homemade food and beverages. Established in 1944, Nari Seva Sangha carries on its endeavour to empower marginalised and economically backward women by giving them vocational training. It will be held in Jodhpur Park, next to the Post Office. More details here.
What: Nari Seva Sangha Sprint Fest
When: February 2 to 4, 2024
Where: Near Jodhpur Park Post Office, Raja Subodh Chandra Mallick Rd, Selimpur, Jodhpur Park, Kolkata, West Bengal 700068
Fukra Entertainment presents the first edition of the ‘Fukra Comedy Festival.’ Sign up for an evening where some of the funniest names in the comedy scene come together. The artist line-up includes Anubhav Singh Bassi, Gaurav Gupta, Gaurav Kapoor, Abish Mathew, and Anirban Dasgupta. The organisers have said that the line-up may change. Book tickets here.
What: Fukra Comedy Festival
When: February 3, 5pm
Where: Dhono Dhanno Auditorium, 1, Thackeray Rd, Alipore Police Line, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027
City art gallery Akar Prakar is hosting an exhibition of works called Bare Liminal. The term transformation carries within it the visual of change and motion. From urban development altering cityscapes as seen in the mixed-media work ‘Untitled’ (2023) by Debasish Mukherjee and the photographic series ‘Kshitij’ (2024) by Pulak K. Sarkar to the organic decay of natural landscapes in ‘Presence’ (2023) by Jayashree Chakravarty or the sandstone sculpture ‘Food’ (2023) by Debiprasad Bhunia, the physical manifestations of change embody a peculiar allure. Through captivating photographic series, mixed-media sculptures, paintings and installations, the artists in the exhibit encapsulate the raw elegance found in these transient states, underscoring the significance of impermanence in the visual realm. More details here.
What: Bare Liminal
When: Till February 17, 2024
Where: Akar Prakar, P 238, Hindustan Park Rd, Golpark, Hindustan Park, Gariahat, Kolkata, West Bengal
City-based group Calcutta Cacophony is organising a mouthwatering journey through South Kolkata, exploring must-try food joints along the way. Starting at Golpark and wrapping up at Rashbehari, this limited-capacity 4-hour walk spans 3km with 5+ stops. You get to experience iconic foods of Kolkata, including the culture of cabin eateries. Strictly for non-vegetarians, you can indulge in a variety of food at some of the most legendary and unmissable places in the area, concluding with a memorable dinner. On-spot tickets are subject to availability. More details here.
What: South Kolkata Food Walk
When: February 3, 2024. 4:30pm – 9pm
Where: Meet at Bharat Petroleum, Petrol Pump, Golpark Service Station
Set aside an evening for some Darjeeling cha alongwith traditional Rajasthani folk fusion with some Bengali Baul and Sufi folk. The session features Dada Khan, a folk musician from the famous Manganiyar community of Dedariyar in Barmer, Rajasthan. He sings devotional songs of Kabir, Meerabai, and Bulleh Shah. There will be Sufi Kalam, Qawaali, Dohe, and Lalon by Baul songs Rob Kheypa. Check here for details.
What: Sufinama
When: February 2, 5pm to 8pm. Phone 076058 05877
Where: Cafe Indie Spot, opposite of South City Mall, Lane Beside Honda Showroom.
Carrying on the tradition of paying homage to sacred rivers, Showhouse is presenting the India Tour of “Invoking the River”, a 70-minute, thought-provoking kathak rendition, brought to India by the Chitresh Das Dance Institute, one of the finest kathak institutions of USA. The event is the tale of India’s four sacred rivers, the pain of rampant pollution, and their retribution. The power of kathak, combined with the piano, beats of the tabla, and the magic of a multimedia presentation as the backdrop by award-winning filmmaker Alka Raghuram—all make up for an enthralling storytelling visual experience. More details here.
What: Invoking the River
When: February 4, 6pm
Where: GD Birla Sabhaghar, Ashutosh Choudhry Avenue, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019
If you are a Bollywood music fan, then head out to a live musical concert by Javed Ali this weekend. It will be an evening of soulful Sufi songs that include famous hits from Bollywood. Javed Ali is a well-known singer in the Bollywood film industry who shot to fame with his super hit songs like ‘Jashn-e-Bahara’ (Jodha Akbar), ‘Kajra-Re’ (Bunty aur Babli). ‘Nagada Nagada’ (Jab We Met), ‘Arziyan’ (Delhi 6), and ‘Kun Faya Kun’ (Rockstar). Jazbaa "Dilo ko Dilo See Jodne Ka" is an initiative of Rudraksha Communication to educate people, especially youth, that India can defeat any issues with their religious unity and cultural diversity. They aim at spreading the message of love, acceptance, and humanity.
What: Jazbaa ft Javed Ali Live
When: February 3, 7pm
Where: Science City Auditorium, East Topsia, Dhapa, Kolkata, West Bengal 700105