Some Glimpses of Kolkata (West Bengal, India)

The capital of the Indian state of West Bengal is Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta. One of India's great centres for culture, commerce, and education, it is situated on the Hooghly River's eastern bank. Kolklata is located in latitude 22.5726 degree N and longitude 88.3639 degree E. The unbridled passion with which the city embraces its customs, literature, history, cuisine, and other aspects of its culture has earned it the moniker "City of Joy". Here are some essential details about Kolkata :

1. Location : Kolkata is located in eastern India's lower Ganges Delta, around 75 km west of the Bangladeshi border; its elevation ranges from 1.5 to 9 metres. A large portion of the city was formerly a marsh that was reclaimed throughout the years to make room for a growing population. The East Kolkata Wetlands, the only remaining unspoiled areas, were declared a "wetland of international importance" by Ramser Conservation in 1975. As of 2011, there were 24 panchayat samitis, 37 municipalities, and four municipal corporations in the Kolkata metropolitan region.

2. Historical Importance : From 1772 until 1911, Kolkata served as British India's capital before it was moved to Delhi. It was the home of numerous well-known freedom fighters and played a significant part in the Indian independence movement.

3. Climate : According to the Koppen climate classification, Kolkata experiences a tropical wet and dry climate with an Aw designation. The average yearly temperature is 26.8 C. The majority of Kolkata's annual rainfall of roughly 1,850 m, which occurs between June and September, is brought by rains brought by the Bay of Bengal branch of the south-west summer monsoon. More recently, the devastating winds and torrential rains brought by Cyclones Aila in 2009 and Amphan in 2020 severely damaged Kolkata.

4. Cultural Centre : Kolkata, India, is frequently referred to as the "Cultural Capital of India" because of its extensive literary, artistic, and intellectual traditions. Numerous well-known poets, authors, screenwriters, and artists were born there, including Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

5. Landmarks and Architecture : The city is home to a number of famous landmarks and magnificent buildings. A popular tourist destination is the massive marble Victoria Memorial, which was constructed during the British rule. Howrah Bridge, the Indian Museum, Marble Palace, and Kalighat Temple are a few further noteworthy locations.

6. Demographics : Kolkata is the seventh-most populous city in India, according to the 2011 Indian Census. The national census of 2011 yielded preliminary findings, and Kolkata, which has a square area of 185 km2 and a population of 4,486,679, was included.

7. Festivals : Kolkata is renowned for its colourful holidays. The most important holiday in the city is Durga Puja, an annual devotion of the Hindu goddess Durga. During this season, elaborately decorated pandals (temporary buildings) highlighting artistic and cultural themes fill the streets.

8. Linguistic diversity : Bengali, the state language, is widely spoken in Kolkata. English is also spoken, especially among white-collar workers. Significant numbers of people speak Hindi and Urdu. The bulk of the people in Kolkata are Bengali Hindus, together with sizable minorities of Marwaris, Biharis, and Urdu-speaking Muslims.

9. Education and Intellectual Activities : The University of Calcutta, Jadavpur University, and Presidency University are among the esteemed educational institutions located in Kolkata. It has a long history of academic brilliance and has given rise to famous intellectuals and scientists.

10. Literature and the Arts : Kolkata has a rich history of literature and the arts. The Bengal Renaissance is known to have originated in this city, which has served as a centre for Bengali literature. The literary landscape of the city has been influenced by well-known writers like Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Satyajit Ray, and Tagore.

11. Cuisine : Kolkata is renowned for its mouthwatering street cuisine and distinctive culinary treats. Popular foods like "Rosogolla" (a type of sweet), "Puchka" (pani puri), "Kathi Rolls," and "Macher Jhol" (fish curry), are all well-known in the city.

12. Sports : Cricket and football are two of Kolkata's most beloved sports. One of the biggest cricket stadiums in the world, Eden Gardens, has played host to many international games. Additionally, the city has a vibrant football scene, complete with fervent fans and prosperous clubs.

13. Transportation : Kolkata has a well-developed transit system. For daily commuters, the Kolkata Metro, the country's first subterranean rail network, is a lifeline. The city has excellent rail, road, and aviation connections, with the main airport being Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

14. Economy : Kolkata is East and North-East India's commercial and financial centre. With industries ranging from the processing of textiles, jute, and tea to information technology and financial services, it is a significant economic hub. The headquarters of several large Indian corporations are located there, and it has experienced rapid expansion in recent years.

15. Administration and public services : A number of government organisations are in charge of running Kolkata. The 144 wards that make up the city's 16 boroughs are managed and controlled by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, or KMC.

Kolkata is a fascinating city to discover and experience because of its distinctive fusion of history, culture, and intellectual pursuits.

References : 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolkata