Are you seeking an unforgettable weekend getaway with culture, history, and delicious cuisine? Look no further than Kolkata, the City of Joy. Steeped in colonial history, bustling with life, and boasting a unique blend of tradition and modernity, the city offers many activities to make your weekend memorable. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an art enthusiast, there's something for everyone in this vibrant metropolis. Here are some incredible things to do in Kolkata this weekend.
Cornwallis Street, now known as Bidhan Sarani, was built by the Lottery Committee in the early 1800s. It runs right through the heart of Calcutta and features sites that witnessed the Bengali spirit of nationalism and cultural renaissance through the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This walk begins from Vivekananda's family mansion in Simla, on Bidhan Sarani, and traverses the heartland of nationalist politics and the Bengal Renaissance, consisting of sites which house(d) the Anushilan Samiti (a society of young body-builders in the pre-Independence era who took part in nationalist agitations in Bengal), Vidyasagar College, Sadharan Brahmo Samaj and Bharotborshiyo Brahma Samaj (meeting places of different factions of the Brahmo faith, propounded by Maharshi Devendranath Tagore and Keshav Chandra Sen respectively).
You will take some short detours to explore the back alleys of Cornwallis Street (Bidhan Sarani) to see the places associated with landmark events and personalities related to the Bengal Renaissance and, later, the beginnings of the armed Freedom Movement. This walk will be led by Dr. Tathagata Neogi, Co-Founder and CXO of Immersive Trails. He is an archaeologist who has been trained at the University of Exeter. The two-hour tour will include tea/coffee and a street-style vegetarian breakfast. Read more about it here.
What: Bengal Rising Walking Tour
When: March 17, 8 am onwards
Where: Ramakrishna Mission Swami Vivekananda's Ancestral House and Cultural Centre, 105, Vivekananda Rd, Manicktala, Azad Hind Bag, Kolkata, West Bengal 700006
India’s inaugural underwater metro line commenced its service in Kolkata on March 15, marking its first train journey beneath the water. The ride will connect the cities of Howrah and Kolkata through an underwater metro rail tunnel under the Hooghly (Ganga) river. The service is scheduled to operate every 12 to 15 minutes on weekdays. Sign up for a guided ride exploring the Kolkata-Howrah Underwater Metro with West Bengal Local Guides, which is on a mission to add data regarding the metro stations, the route, and accessibility on Google Maps and Local Guides Connect forums. More information here.
What: Underwater Metro Ride
When: March 15, 11 am
Where: Esplanade Crossing (near KC Das)
The SwarDarbar Sangeet Sammelan is an annual event featuring various musical performances, including Indian Classical vocal recitals and instrumental performances. It is a platform for established and upcoming artists to showcase their talent and promote Indian classical music. This year's event will include Shiraz Ali Khan (sarod), Rohen Bose (tabla solo), Pt. Tarun Bhattacharya (santoor), Vidushi Dr. Soma Ghosh (vocal) Vidushi Rupashree Bhattacherjee (harmonium solo), Pt. Ritesh Mishra and Pt. Rajnish Mishra (vocal duet) and the Kedia brothers, Pt. Mormukut Kedia and Pt. Manoj Kedia (sitar and sarod duet). More information here.
What: SwarDarbar Sangeet Sammelan 2024
When: March 16 and 17, 4:30 pm onward
Where: Mahajati Sadan, Central Ave, Raja Katra, College Street Market, College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700007
The Parsi community in India has a rich cultural heritage. Parsis has exerted influence and become one of the most influential communities in cities like Mumbai. Take some time to hear author Prochy N. Mehta discuss her book Who is a Parsi? She takes readers through a detailed analysis of court cases and seeks to reveal through transcripts the true picture of the community. She unveils the history of an ancient Persian trading community, the "Persees" or "Persians," familiar with the sea route to India from before 500 BCE, living as a tribe among the Hindus, and narrates how they rediscovered their religion and their ancient connect with Persia. Mehta is the first female president of the Calcutta Parsee Club and is actively involved in the advertising business. The event will also include a conversation between Cyrus Madan and Noomi Mehta and a visual showcase by Aban Desai. And, of course, Parsi food (vegetarian - INR 900; non-vegetarian - INR 1,400), including Mutton Dhansak and Kabab, Salli Chicken, Patrani Machh, and Parsi stew. More information here.
What: Bawa Bhonu and Gupshup
When: March 17, 5 pm
Where: Olpadvala Memorial Hall, 52, Chowringee Rd, Elgin, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
Experience an electrifying performance by DON GNU, Denmark's physical theatre and comedy company. A mix of physical action theatre and dance, the performance will begin with the simple idea of crossing the street and combine physicality, humour, slapstick, a bit of Bollywood, poetic visuals and acrobatic movement. The company was founded in 2010 by two choreographers, Jannik Elkær and Kristoffer Louis Andrup Pedersen, who constitute the artistic duo at the helm of DON GNU. The company has toured all the Nordic countries, including South Korea, Canada, parts of Europe, and Cuba. More info here.
What: Walk-Man by Don Gnu
When: March 15, 7 pm
Where: GD Birla Sabhaghar, 29, Ashutosh Choudhry Avenue, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019, India
Do not miss this event featuring world-renowned dancer, choreographer, actor, and social activist Mallika Sarabhai, who will be in Kolkata this weekend with Past Forward, a contemporary Bharatanatyam performance, in which time travels through the evolution of the female voice in dance. Starting with 12th-century lyrics, you travel through changes in the position of women, gender, and caste politics with a range of poetry and music styles. More info here.
What: Past Forward Ft. Mallika Sarabhai
When: March 16, 7 pm
Where: GD Birla Sabhaghar, 29, Ashutosh Choudhry Avenue, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019, India
