Kolkata, the City of Joy, is known for its rich cultural heritage, artistic fervour, and vibrant celebrations. As the weekend approaches, the city gears up for a plethora of events that cater to diverse interests. From cultural extravaganzas to food festivals, there's something for everyone in Kolkata this weekend. Here is our carefully curated list of things to do if you are in the city.
If you are a fan of detective fiction, and Sherlock Holmes is your icon, then here's the perfect idea for an evening well spent. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Holmes and Watson through a carefully crafted audio drama series, where every sound, every dialogue, and every clue is designed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Book your tickets here.
What: Sherlock Holmes On Stage
Where: Kala Mandir, 48, Shakespeare Sarani Rd, Elgin, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017, India
When: February 25, 6:30 pm
Popular stand-up comedian and writer Kanan Gill is on his India tour and will be in Kolkata this weekend. The event is a double bill. The first hour is Kanan’s fourth (and probably last) Stand-Up Comedy Show, "OK Bye." Following a 20-minute interval is "The Book Experience" about Kanan’s novel "Acts of God" (Harper Collins), which involves readings, discussions, and some jokes. Every attendee of The Book Experience will receive a signed copy of the book. You can book the full experience or stand-up only. Book your tickets here.
What: The Kanan Gill Experience - India Tour 2024
Where: Kala Mandir, 48, Shakespeare Sarani Rd, Elgin, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017, India
When: February 24, 7:30 pm
Want a break from a tech-oriented life? Take time off for a workshop on terracotta. Bengal is known for exquisite terracotta work. For instance, in Bishnupur, the former royal kingdom of the Malla rulers, you will find many ancient terracotta structures. At the workshop, you can explore the sculpture-making process with award-winning sculptor, Ram Kumar Manna, and learn all about the history of terracotta objects as you engage in various hand-building techniques to create any object of your choice. You will take your work back with you, along with a certificate. No prior experience is required. All materials will be provided. The event is for those who are 15 and above. More details here.
What: Clay Connection - Terracotta Workshop
Where: Kolkata Centre for Creativity, Dipak Road, Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Anandapur, Adarsha Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700107
When: February 24-25, 11 am–3 pm
India is home to wetlands, which are also Ramsar sites. Not many people know that Kolkata also has a wetland—the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW). Designated as a Ramsar site in 2002, it is located on the eastern outskirts of Kolkata, with Salt Lake township on one side and the new Rajarhat township on the other. It covers an area of 12,500 hectares with rich foliage and tranquil water bodies.
The EKW is considered to be unique, as it is responsible for the world's largest wastewater-fed aquaculture system. It has a network of water bodies, paddy farms, and marshlands in the middle of a metro city. Know more about this unique ecosystem at "Symbiotic Cohabitation," an exhibition at Goethe Institut in Kolkata by Disappearing Dialogues Collective, a city initiative, and the EKW community. Among other things, the display includes natural life from the wetlands and pen-and-ink sketches of local aquatic plants like the jal lajjabati and kantajanjhi, as well as paintings of flora and fauna of the area by the children who live there.
What: Exhibition on East Kolkata Wetlands
Where: Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan, Park Mansions, Gate 4, 57A, Mother Teresa Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
When: Till February 29, 11 am to 6.30 pm. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.