Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal state in India. This city is famous for its grand colonial architecture and cultural festivals. It is also home to art galleries.
Bengali sweets
Bengali sweets are a part of the country’s traditional cuisine. They include a variety of exotic desserts, which are usually made from milk products, nuts, and other eastern spices. These desserts are commonly consumed in Bengal and the parts of India where Bengalis live.
One of the most popular Bengali sweets is rasgulla. It is a light and soft sweet dish that is easy to make. Rasgulla is made by curdling milk with lemon juice and ice cubes. The rasgulla is then baked and served with a topping of nuts and a dusting of sugar.
Another of the popular Bengali sweets is Lobongo Latika. This is a dessert that is made from maida, nutmeg powder, and sugar. You can also try other varieties such as the Lobongo Lotika, which is a nut and raisin-filled rasgulla.
Jute crafts
If you are planning to visit Kolkata, the capital of India, then you should make it a point to go to one or more of the various handicraft markets. These are the perfect places to find the best of the best in terms of price and design.
In addition, these markets also serve as an important source of information about the city. They offer guided tours to help you learn about the market and discover some of the lesser known aspects. You will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of arts and crafts exhibited in the area.
One of the most aesthetically pleasing artefacts you will see while at a handicraft market in Kolkata is a macrame bag. This is a craft that uses the jute fiber to create a highly durable, yet elegant accessory.
Durga Puja
Durga Puja is one of the biggest festivals of India. During this festival, Hindu devotees worship nine avatars of Goddess Durga. They use clay idols, which are mounted on raised platforms inside the pandals. The idols vary in size according to the artist’s imagination.
Originally, wealthy traders and landlords used to throw Durga Puja feasts in villages. These wealthy people showed their social status by celebrating the festival.
With the passage of time, Durga Puja became more of a community event. However, the festival was still largely associated with excesses and hedonism. Fortunately, after the 1947 Partition, the event began to change. It has now become a celebration of nationalist sentiments.
In the early 1900s, a famous social worker, Nagendra Nath Ghosal, founded the Durga Puja organisation. His aim was to promote the Puja and educate the local population.
Street life on the ghats
If you’re a fan of street photography, then the city of Kolkata is the perfect location. Set against a backdrop of old courtyards, meandering alleyways and sunlit ghats, you’re sure to get a unique picture of life in this historic city.
The streets of Kolkata are full of people. Some of them sleep where they work. Others commute to the city from nearby small towns. Whatever the reason, the people of this bustling city are always helping one another.
One of the most popular ways to travel around the city is to hop on a boat. Many fishermen ferry tourists over the Hooghly River, which provides a beautiful view of the city at sunset.
Street life on the ghats of Kolkata spills out onto the river. There are dozens of ghats along the Hooghly River. These ghats are popular with locals and visitors. They provide a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Kolkata Metro network
The Kolkata Metro network is the first underground metro railway system in India. Aside from that, the city of Kolkata is home to the first and only tram system in the country. It is also home to several museums, hotels and convention centers.
One of the major developments in the city is the East-West Metro corridor project. This will connect six above ground stations with one under water. According to Babul Supriyo, the Union Minister of State for Urban Development, the first phase of the project may be commissioned by December 2017.
The East-West Metro corridor project is expected to help the city become more efficient in connecting the most congested areas. In addition, it will also cut down on travel time.
Other notable developments include the opening of the Tollygunge Metro station. Although, this was not the first metro to be opened in the city, it was the longest and most comprehensive.