Kolkata - the heart of one of the most culturally varied states of India - West Bengal. We all know Kolkata as 'The City of Joy'. We've been hearing this term since our very childhood. It is a joyous city, doubtlessly. But besides being jolly and culturally beautiful, its places, streets, foods and of course Bengalis are no less admirable. And only a true Calcuttan knows how calling it just a city of joy is really an understatement.
So, we bring to you the 13 on the point reasons which shows how Kolkata is so more than just a joyous city. So pay attention people :
1. Kolkata has got a soul of its own. If you wanna feel it, well, visit the Howrah Bridge or the Prinsep Ghats early at 5:30 in the morning. The serenity of the city at that point of time will make it possible for even a non-writer person to write a poem on the Ganges and the hearthrobing scenario of the very city that's visible fromthere, just like Wordsworth once did when he was in London, standing upon the Westminster Bridge.
2. Kolkata is so sweet in terms of food, that the people belonging to the city themselves have become the same. The ones who have a Bengali friend or a neighbour, they know what I'm talking about.
3. Dogs? “Meh.” Rabbits? “Meh.” Cats? “Daarun!” We Calcuttans love our cats. Ask your Bengali neighbour and they’ll list down why “Bidaal” deserve more love than your "Kukurs".
4. About the streets of Kolkata, well, I can write a book on them. But to tell you in brief, they are so beautiful and serine that if one's having a rough day, just taking a walk in the streets at evening or early morning will give them positive vibes about life and stuff, that's my guarantee.
5. Talking about positive vibes, well Kolkata is blessed with it. Whether you go to a park or even a bus, you'll see happy faces munching their 'muri with teler bhaja' surrounding you. And guess what, unlike Joey, we Calcuttans love to share our food!
6. Kolkata's love for food is no new thing. But only a few people know how we Calcuttans are nostalgic about our food and yet at the same time, we ain't that rigid to not let others experiment with it. The people here are too welcoming to new ideas and that's a big thing, duh! We have a range of restaurants serving Bengali food each having their distinct flavour – visit any eatery at Park St., and you’ll get what we’re talking about. Bite a Chinese Samosa and you’ll know we love them as much as any other Singhara.
P.S.: We don’t even mind when others say Rosogullas aren’t Bengali food! *cough* Orissa *cough*
8. When it's high time in Kolkata, I mean when it's Durga Puja here, the city not only becomes pious and festive, but it also gives a home-like, warm feeling to the all those new people who come here to study or something like that, leaving behind their home, family and friends. Amaar Bangla, Shonar Bangla!
9. Now talking a little about girlish stuff, even in this time of not-so-heavy but heavy inflation, Kolkata has got places like New Market, Dharmatalla, Fancy Market where you can literally shop your heart out at amazingly affordable prices. Ladies, what are you waiting for?
10. Now, coming to the best thing about the city - Bengalis. They're the sweetest creatures on the entire universe. And the way they'll call out your name, I bet you won't be able to help yourself but say, "Ami Tumake Bhaalo Baashi".
11. Also known as the cultural capital of India, it’s no surprise that Kolkata has been and is, a home to a number of world renowned artists since its inception. Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, P.C. Sorcar, Bappi Lahiri, Saurav Ganguly, Amartya Sen, C V Raman are the ones to name a few, who have made India proud on a global scale.
12. Calcutta has always been a place of love for artists be it writers, poets or even filmmakers. They loved the city so much that they couldn't help but fall in love with it. Films like Barfi, Parineeta and The Namesake along with poems of Tagore and others about the city proves their love for Kolkata.
13. Last but not the least, the most admirable thing about Kolkata is how the city dwells itself in this changing world and yet manages to be the same, old and generous city as it was. In a world that changes every now and then, Kolkata seems to be static yet developing which makes people attach with the city emotionally and never fails to give them nostalgia.
Kolkata isn't just a metropolitan city, it's more than that. Although it hasn't got much to offer in terms of career options or technology and stuff but apparently it has got plenty other things to offer to humans which are above them. It's not only The City Of Joy but it is also the city of Nostalgia, Love and Life. It's a city with a soul and our hearts, for sure. Kolkata, "Aamra Tumake Bhaalo Baashi!"