Smita's Kolkata Chronicles

‘White Town’ developed in Kolkata as the colonizers desired to seclude themselves from the Indians who were confined to the ‘Black Town’. Needless to say, the later was deliberately devoid of any urban infrastructural developments.   Although among the black town inhabitants were some of the wealthiest natives living in mansions, they were considered socially unworthy in British standards. Gradually however the stark distinction faded to some extent with the natives getting social foothold. Hence post-independence we were left with white town areas covering Park Street, Russel Street, Chowringhee, Theatre Road and adjoining areas retaining the colonial glory to a great extent. One encounters several landmarks of the bygone era as one walks down these lanes which to till this is an area buzzing with commercial, residencial and socializing activities.  Russel Street is named after Sir Henry Russel, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 1806 to 1813. Four successive Bishop...

Bholanath Dham on Beadon Street is a well-known landmark in North Calcutta acclaimed for its Durga Puja and the Fanoush (handmade hot air ballon or lantern) associated with Kali Pujo. Probably started by the Dey family of Darjipara of North Calcutta (Kolkata) in 1912 fanoush flying was a regular activity on the late afternoon of Kali Pujo in the Darjipara and Beadon Street areas.  Back then it was a competition among aristocrats to show their wealth and draw attention of the masses. Apart from the conventional balloon shape the fanoush assumes different shapes such as pitchers, stars, footballs, ducks, kettles and even the planet of Saturn. Probably due to the lack of expertise in craftsmanship, precision and aesthetics, this art form had lost much of its patrons. Today the ritual is maintained by a few traditional families and is a great experience to witness this nearly lost heritage of Kolkata.  Next to the Hedua Park, is what was once known as Beadon Street . The stretc...