Kolkata is undoubtedly worthy of its title as the City of Joy. It has long been a bustling cultural hub with a vintage allure. If you are in Kolkata this weekend, there are plenty of different ways to spend your time. You can pick up exquisite traditional handloom textiles at an exhibition, go for a walk through a Ramsar wetland in the middle of the metropolis, listen to the legendary singer Shubha Mudgal, or take part in a unique culinary pop-up.
Hit up the annual Agomoni exhibition and sale hosted by Syuti Shaili. It will be a vibrant showcase of traditional and creative handcrafted textiles, regional crafts, and handloom clothing. This exhibition brings together esteemed artisans and handloom brands from India, offering a great shopping experience for handloom textile enthusiasts.
When: August 29-31, 11 am - 8 pm
Where: Thyagaraja Hall, P-530, Raja Basanta Roy Rd, Hemanta Mukherjee Sarani, lake Terrace, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029
Embark on a fascinating walking tour through Bagbazar with Kolkata Explorers, a division of Green Step Tourism. Discover the rich history of Bagbazar from the colonial era to post-independence as we visit iconic landmarks such as the house of Bhagini Nivedita, Balaram Mandir, Gourio Math and vicinity, Basu Bati, and Bagbazar Bichali Ghat. The tour starts at Nivedita Museum, 16A Ma Saradamoni Sarani. Be sure to arrive at the meeting point by 3:45 pm to kick off this unforgettable experience at 4 pm.
When: August 24, 4pm to 7:30pm
Where: Nivedita Museum, 16A Ma Saradamoni Saranai, Kolkata 700003
Don't forget to check out the annual high-end fashion and lifestyle event, FUSS - 'Flashes of Glory.' Among the brands and designers attending is Aseem Kapoor, who will be serving Bohemian gypsy fantasies with a side of youthful pizzazz. The Other Label will showcase their classic silhouettes reimagined with futuristic designs. You can also indulge in the luxurious and rich Indo-French collection, "trés fantastique" - catch Genes by Lecoanet Hemant with their latest drop, Tropique. Miorah and The Tribe will present a range of premium quality footwear and eyewear that is classy, timeless, and versatile. There's more, so head to the event and check it out!
When: August 21-22, 11 am to 8 pm
Where: The Oberoi Grand, 15, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700013
India is home to several wetlands, designated as Ramsar sites. Not many people know that Kolkata also has a wetland—the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW). It was selected as a Ramsar site in 2002 and is located on the eastern outskirts of Kolkata. Covering an area of 12,500 hectares, it is characterised by rich foliage and tranquil water bodies. This weekend, you can join a guided tour to explore the city's wetlands. The itinerary starts at Chandra Gardens gate no. 2, opposite Science City, at 8 am. Participants will have breakfast and tea from a roadside food stall at the wetlands and a car journey to explore places like Lal Kuthi and Bantala Lock Gate. There will also be a walk along the vast water bodies, where fish are cultivated, and an opportunity to observe the natural process through which the sewage water flowing out of the city gets automatically cleaned here. For details, WhatsApp at 9874062962.
When: August 26, 8 am to 11 am
Head out to listen to the legendary Shubha Mudgal, the Indian singer and composer known for her works in Hindustani classical music, Indian pop, and Tamil cinema. The event will be held on the auspicious day of Janmashtami - a serene and soulful evening of bhajans and devotional music.
When: August 24, 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Where: GD Birla Sabhaghar, 29, Ashutosh Choudhry Avenue, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019
Experience a unique dinner at AMPM Kolkata, where two incredibly talented individuals, Beckaly Franks (Asia's 50 Best Bartender's Bartender of the Year 2023) and celebrated Calcutta-born Chef Auroni Mookerjee, will collaborate for the first and possibly only, time in Kolkata. The event will feature a cocktail-paired coursed menu and a course-wise, Bengal-inspired cocktail menu. Don't miss this limited-seating experience that includes five courses, five cocktails, and two available time slots.
When: August 23, 4pm to 8.30pm
Where: AMPM Kolkata, 24, Park Street, Park Centre Building, The Celica Park, Kolkata, India 700016, West Bengal