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Kolkata truly lives up to its moniker as the City of Joy. It has long been a thriving cultural centre and has a vintage allure that is evident in the enduring charm of the old houses that grace its streets. For those visiting this weekend, we have curated an enticing list of activities to explore. Music aficionados can anticipate a delightful line-up of live performances. Additionally, mango enthusiasts can rejoice in a vibrant mango festival set against the scenic backdrop of the river. Notably, the Australian progressive rock band Karnivool is making an appearance in the city. As always, Kolkata is abuzz with a myriad of engaging experiences awaiting discovery. Take your pick.
Two defining features that add to Kolkata's unique character are the enduring architecture of old houses and the quintessential Bengali adda, characterised by leisurely and lengthy discussions on a wide range of topics under the sun. You can experience both at the Shonibar’er Adda at Calcutta Bungalow. Esteemed storyteller Iftekhar Ahsan will lead an enriching discussion on the "Heritage Trees of Calcutta." Ahsan is the founder of Calcutta Walks, an organisation that conducts heritage walks. He is also involved with Calcutta Bungalow, an old building which features a blend of colonial and local architecture and has been transformed into a heritage stay. The decor of the rooms draws inspiration from North Kolkata's rich history, and each room displays the trades and professions of the neighborhood's past residents. For example, the Mochipara room is devoted to cobblers and features traditional leather conductor bags of Kolkata displayed on the walls.
What: Shonibar’er Adda
When: June 8, 6 pm onwards
Where: Calcutta Bungalow, 5, Radha Kanta Jew St, Fariapukur, Shyam Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700004
Here's another event if you are interested in Bangla culture. Immerse yourself in an evening of Bangla music, featuring everything from Rabindrasangeet to Bengali cinema songs from the past few years. Award-winning singer Iman Chakraborty will perform alongside poet Shouvik Bhattacharya. The evening will see a collaborative performance by these two artists, showcasing a variety of songs and poems. The event will include poetry recitations by Iman, who won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 2017. Book tickets here.
What: Hiyar Majhe Ft. Iman Chakraborty and Shouvik
When: June 9, 6 pm onwards
Where: Mahajati Sadan, Central Ave, Raja Katra, College Street Market, College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700007
If you have an interest in art and artists, particularly those who are lesser known, then head out to Kolkata Centre For Creativity this weekend. Hemendranath Mazumdar, born in 1894, was a prominent artist of the Jubilee Art School. Although he was also recognised for his talent in landscape painting, Mazumdar is most famous for his oil paintings of women, often depicted bathing or draped in wet saris. During his lifetime, Mazumdar received many high-profile commissions, such as decorating a celebratory gate to welcome King George V of England to India in 1911. He was also appointed as the Court Artist of the Maharaja of Patiala from 1932 to 1938. Author Anuradha Ghosh will be discussing her book on Hemendranath Mazumdar that seeks to go beyond Mazumdar's widely known reputation as a painter of women in wet saris and aims to explore new perspectives to understand his significance in Indian art history. Arkaprava Bose, an archivist and researcher, will also be participating in the discussion.
What: Monographing Hemendranath Mazumdar
When: June 7, 5.30 pm onwards
Where: Kolkata Centre For Creativity, Dipak Road, Eastern Metropolitan Bypass Rd, Anandapur, Adarsha Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700107
Karnivool is an Australian progressive metal band that was formed in Perth, Western Australia in 1998. They are currently in India as part of the Tri-Continental Drift Tour 2024. The Australian architects of progressive metal are known for their genre-bending soundscapes, and they will bring the raw power of their latest work as well as classics to Kolkata this weekend. Karnivool's fifth visit to India will incorporate a four-city run of shows.
What: LiveBox feat. Karnivool Live in Kolkata
When: June 7,
Where: Five Mad Men, Electronic Complex, 1st Floor, Omega Building, Bengal Intelligent Park Ltd, EP Block, Sector V, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700091
It's summertime, and we are in the midst of peak mango season. If you are a fan of the king of fruits, you won't want to miss the All Things Mango festival at Polo Floatel. You can enjoy mango mocktails and explore a variety of savoury and sweet mango-inspired delicacies that showcase the best of this seasonal fruit. The venue is another attraction. Polo Floatel, a floating hotel located on the Hooghly River off Strand Road. This upscale full-service hotel features a nautical theme, with the reception area adorned in marine blue and filled with shipping paraphernalia. Situated between the iconic Howrah Bridge and the Second Hooghly Bridge, the hotel offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Hooghly River and the ghats. For more details, call 62922 51969.
What: All Things Mango
When: Ongoing
Where: Polo Floatel, Kolkata Jetty, 9/10, Strand Rd, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001
