Tag: kolkata

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INDIA 2024 India News Politics

Kolkata to turn into virtual fortress on June 1

A total of 599 Quick Response Teams (ORTs) will be deployed in the city on Saturday….reports Asian Lite News

 Kolkata will turn into a virtual fortress on June 1 when nine Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal, including two in Kolkata, will go to polls in the last and seventh phase of the General Elections.

Sources in the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), said 246 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed for the two constituencies of Kolkata-Dakshin and Kolkata-Uttar.

“In addition to that, 11,500 personnel from Kolkata Police, including those from the armed police units, will be deployed in Kolkata on Saturday,” a CEO office insider said.

A total of 599 Quick Response Teams (ORTs) will be deployed in the city on Saturday.

As per the plans of the Election Commission of India (ECI), around 2,000 QRTs will be deployed for all the nine Lok Sabha constituencies combined that will be going for polls on June 1.

Sources said 1,020 companies of CAPF are there in West Bengal already.

As per plans, 978 companies will be deployed for polling duty in the seventh phase, while the remaining will be kept on reserve.

In the seventh phase, the ECI is giving special emphasis on deployment of QRTs to arrest poll-related tension in areas far from the polling stations.

The nine Lok Sabha constituencies that will be going for polls on June 1 include Kolkata Dakshin and Kolkata Uttar in Kolkata, Jadavpur, Jaynagar, Mathurapur and Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas and Basirhat, Barasat, and Dum Dum in North 24 Parganas.

Apart from the two seats in Kolkata, the two other constituencies that will be under the scanner of the ECI on Saturday will be Basirhat and Diamond Harbour.

Basirhat will be under the lens because Sandeshkhali is one of the seven Assembly constituencies under it and Diamond Harbour because of its past record of poll-related violence.

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Lite Blogs Travel

Solo Traveler’s Guide to Kolkata’s Cultural Delights

Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Hooghly River at Prinsep Ghat, taking in panoramic views of the city’s skyline and historical landmarks…reports Asian Lite News

Embarking on a solo trip to Kolkata doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With its rich cultural heritage, bustling streets, and vibrant atmosphere, Kolkata offers a plethora of budget-friendly activities for solo travellers.

From shopping to enjoying a boat ride at Ganga Ghat, and finding inner peace at parks, there’s something for every budget-conscious adventurer in the City of Joy.

Discover the top five must-do activities for solo travellers seeking an affordable yet memorable experience in Kolkata.

Affordable Shopping: Explore the bustling streets of Dharmatala for budget-friendly shopping, from traditional sarees to trendy accessories at very affordable prices

Amazing Nightlife: Kolkata is also known for its bustling nightlife there are various budget-friendly cafes you can hop on for example Sabka Club, where you can dance and enjoy music without breaking the bank.

Sipping and Chilling: Taking after the nickname the City of Surprise is also an amazing place for writers and readers. Grab a book to read or a notepad to jot down ideas while relaxing and enjoying the city view from the Boho Sky Cafe, known for its laid-back atmosphere, and delicious food.

Ganga Boat Ride: Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Hooghly River at Prinsep Ghat, taking in panoramic views of the city’s skyline and historical landmarks.

Meditation and Relaxation: Find serenity amidst nature at temples, and parks, where you can meditate, stroll through lush greenery, and enjoy various recreational activities at minimal cost.

These activities offer a perfect blend of cultural experiences, nightlife, relaxation, and outdoor adventures while keeping your budget in check. Enjoy your solo trip to Kolkata!

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-Top News India News West Bengal

G20 anti-graft group meet begins in Kolkata

The deliberations at the level of Ministers will impart a further political impetus to combatting corruption as ACWG plays a crucial role in leading international efforts to combat corruption…reports Asian Lite News

The third and final meeting of G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) under India’s Presidency began on Wednesday.

Over 154 delegates from G20 Members, 10 invitee countries, and various international organizations will be attending the meeting. It will be followed by the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meeting on 12th August 2023, which will be chaired by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent charge) for Ministry of Science and Technology, Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, the Department of Atomic Energy and the Department of Space of Government of India. This will be the second ever Ministerial meeting of G20 ACWG and the first in-person ACWG Ministerial meeting. The deliberations at the level of Ministers will impart a further political impetus to combatting corruption as ACWG plays a crucial role in leading international efforts to combat corruption.

Under India’s G20 presidency, ACWG has been able to achieve significant progress on anti-corruption cooperation regarding action against fugitive economic offenders and return of assets, guided by the Nine Point Agenda for Action Against Fugitive Economic Offences and Asset Recovery, presented by Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to G20 nations in 2018.

During the 1st and 2nd ACWG meetings held in Gurugram and Rishikesh respectively, India was able to forge a consensus in G20 to advance international anti-corruption agenda by finalizing three outcome documents (High Level Principles) on important and sensitive issues.

These pragmatic and action-oriented highest-level commitments will contribute towards prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of corruption offences, strengthening domestic anti-corruption institutional frameworks, extradition of fugitive economic offenders and recovery of assets of such offenders from foreign jurisdictions.

The High-Level Principles on Promoting Integrity and Effectiveness of Public Bodies and Authorities Responsible for Preventing and Combatting Corruption will provide a guiding framework for strengthening the independence, transparency, and accountability of anti-corruption institutions. It will help in addressing root cause of corruption including institutional weakness and lack of accountability.

The High-Level Principles on Strengthening Asset Recovery Mechanisms for combatting Corruption are a set of guiding principles to support establishment of a robust and effective framework for the expeditious recovery of proceeds of crime. These principles will deter economic offenders who seek refuge in foreign jurisdictions.

The High-Level Principles on Strengthening Law Enforcement related International Cooperation and Information Sharing for Combatting Corruption is a 6-point plan to enhance inter-agency cooperation and international cooperation through information sharing amongst law enforcement agencies and countries. It will ensure timely and effective action against corruption offences, prosecution of offenders and recovery of proceeds of crimes.

ACWG is also focusing on the role of audit institutions in tackling corruption. Earlier, in the year, side events were also organized to highlight the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in reducing corruption in public administration and delivery of public services and gender related issues of corruption. The discussion on impact of corruption on women initiated under India’s presidency will generate further concrete action towards collective initiatives for adopting gender-sensitive and gender-responsive approaches in anti-corruption strategies.

The 3rd ACWG meeting in Kolkata will give direction to the future work of ACWG and further the commitments made on law enforcement cooperation, strengthening asset recovery mechanisms, and enhancing integrity and effectiveness of anti-corruption authorities during India’s G20 presidency.

ALSO READ-Huddleston meets industry leaders in Kolkata to boost partnership

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-Top News UK News

Huddleston meets industry leaders in Kolkata to boost partnership

The Minister will also discuss the economic benefits of a UK-India trade deal, currently being negotiated, that could cut red tape, reduce tariffs, and help UK and Indian companies do business…reports Asian Lite News

The United Kingdom’s Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston has met with industry leaders in Kolkata to identify opportunities and boost trade partnerships between the two nations.

Taking to Twitter, Huddleston said, “Our trading relationship with India already stands strong at Pound 36 billion and fuels over half a million jobs in both nations – but we want to do even more. That’s why I’ve been meeting with industry leaders in Kolkata to identify opportunities and boost our trade partnership.” Huddleston’s visit to India and Bangladesh focused on unlocking more opportunities for British companies to grow trade and win business, as per the statement released by the UK government. Yesterday, Huddleston arrived in Kolkata.

“Arrived in Kolkata, India, this afternoon. Looking forward to meeting businesses and officials across the city to deepen our trade ties and discuss how an India-UK Free Trade Agreement could drive investment and boost economic growth in both nations,” the minister said in a tweet.

According to the release, India and UK’s Bilateral trade has already toppled 36 billion Pounds, supporting half a million jobs across both countries. As part of its ambition to double bilateral trade by 2030, the UK is also continuing to negotiate a trade deal with India.

Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston said, “The UK has a strong and enduring relationship with India and Bangladesh. Our trade with both has grown significantly over the past year, which shows our partnerships are reaching new heights.”

“I want to use my first official visit here to show the UK’s eagerness to work with both countries on shared challenges like climate change, using our collective expertise to deepen our trading relationship, spark economic growth, and create jobs,” he added.

Transport is India’s third biggest source of emissions, with road transport accounting for 90 per cent of transport emissions. India has set strong targets to boost electric vehicles (EVs) and the UK is well-placed to support this ambition by providing knowledge exchange, and access to finance and technology.

The Minister will announce a new project that will see the UK and Government of West Bengal join forces on a pilot to develop electric two-wheelers, such as motorcycles or scooters.

Huddleston will also launch a centre to enhance opportunities in the EV sector by partnering Indian businesses with elite academic and industrial institutions in the UK.

“West Bengal – the sixth largest state by economic value in India, with a GDP expected to reach 117 million Pounds this year – has set a target of developing 1 million electric vehicles in the next five years,” the statement added.

“Alongside this, he will also facilitate the signing of an MoU between the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Government of West Bengal on skill development in sustainable and modern methods of construction. Through these three initiatives, UK businesses will be well-placed to customise and market EV technology and sustainable construction for this burgeoning market in India,” it added.

Huddleston will also visit a waste processing company in Kolkata using cutting-edge green technologies supplied by UK business CDE Ireland to recycle construction waste into high-quality, reusable sand.

At a business roundtable, the Minister will speak to industry leaders on deepening the UK and India’s economic ties – emphasising the opportunities that have already been unlocked from the UK-India Enhanced Trade Partnership.

The Minister will also discuss the economic benefits of a UK-India trade deal, currently being negotiated, that could cut red tape, reduce tariffs, and help UK and Indian companies do business.

Meanwhile, With Bangladesh, trade has increased by 50 per cent in current prices, reaching nearly 5 billion Pounds.

During his visit to Bangladesh’s Dhaka, Huddleston will visit Intertek, a UK company supporting supply chains in Bangladesh by providing bespoke testing services, for example ensuring manufacturers meet product safety standards, as per the statement.

This visit comes a month after the UK’s world-leading Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) came into force making it easier for Bangladesh and other developing countries to trade with the UK.

Bangladeshi exporters now benefit from simpler and more generous Rules of Origin, which means that they will be able to produce goods using components from many more countries and still export these with zero tariffs to the UK. (ANI)

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India News Sport Sports

Kolkata keep their playoff hopes alive

After a crucial win against Sunrisers Hyderabad, KKR have managed to keep their qualification hopes alive with their fourth win in 10 games this season…reports Asian Lite News

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy held his nerve to defend nine run in the final over as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) registered a thrilling 5-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in an IPL 2023 match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, here on Thursday.

Riding on Nitish Rana’s 42 off 31 and Rinku Singh’s 46 off 35, KKR posted 171/9 on the board in front of SRH clinical bowling display. In reply, SRH seemed to be struggling to execute their plans as they lost the rhythm after middle overs and suffered a loss in another game at home.

After a crucial win in their campaign. KKR have managed to keep their qualification hopes alive with their fourth win in 10 games this season.

Chasing 172, SRH opening duo Abhishek Sharma and Mayank Agarwal got off to a solid start before Hyderabad managed to draw first blood and it was Harshit Rana who dismissed Agarwal in the third over.

Agarwal went for a pull but got beaten by the extra pace. He gloved the ball toward the keeper and Rahmanullah Gurbaz had the easy one. Shardul Thakur joined the party in the next over as he removed Abhishek cheaply for 9, reducing SRH to 37/2.

Rahul Tripathi took Andre Russell to the cleaners in the sixth over as he got 4,6,4 before falling on the next ball. Tripathi tried to ramp it over the fine leg boundary but holed out to the deep fielder and Vaibhav Arora took a fine catch. KKR reached 53/3 at the end of the powerplay.

The next over, Anukul Roy trapped Harry Brooks lbw for a duck. KKR kept SRH at bay with an impressive bowling show as the hosts went boundary-less in the next three overs and were reeling 75/4 in 10 overs. Then, Heinrich Klassen and skipper Aiden Markram shifted gears, and the duo stitched a crucial 70-run partnership.

Klassen smashed two sixes against Anukul in the 11th over to release some pressure. Aiden Markram went for back-to-back boundaries Varun Chakravarthy in the next over to keep SRH in the game. When the duo was looking dangerous, Thakur came to the rescue for KKR and shifted the momentum as he got rid of Klassen in the 15th over.

SRH looked much in control when 38 needed off 30 balls but KKR turned the table with brilliant bowling in slog overs as the hosts managed to score 32 runs in the last five overs for the loss of three wickets.

KKR got the big breakthrough with an important wicket of Markram in the 17th over to make the chase tougher for the hosts.

Vaibhav Arora started the penultimate over with a wide and removed Marco Jansen on the next delivery. Bhuvneshwar Kumar came in and began with a boundary. There was a twist in the tail as Abdul Samad smashed a four off the no ball, followed by a dot on the free hit. With a single on the last ball of the over the equation reached 9 off 6 balls.

Hyderabad, May 04 (ANI): Kolkata Knight Riders’ Anukul Roy celebrates a wicket with teammates in a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad during the Indian Premier League 2023, at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, in Hyderabad on Thursday. (ANI Photo/Digital Restriction)

After a couple of singles in the final over, Samad went for a big but ended up losing his wicket, and 7 needed off 3 to win for SRH. Mayank Markande tried to scoop over fine leg and survived a stumping from Gurbaz. A single later, SRH needed nothing less than a six for a win but Chakravarthy ended the over with a dot and KKR sealed a thrilling 5-run win.

Earlier, opting to bat first, KKR had a slow start, losing two quick wickets in the first couple of overs and later lost the set batter, Roy, who threatened with a few boundaries, as the visitors ended the powerplay at 49/3.

While SRH continued with tight bowling, Nitish Rana and Rinku Singh got into the rebuilding act as they found big hits in between to keep the scoreboard ticking and went on to score 61 off 40 balls before a brilliant caught and bowled by Markram ended KKR skipper’s stay on the crease.

Then, SRH lost two wickets in quick succession in the form of Russell and Sunil Narine.

Mayank Markane removed Russell in the 15th over for 24 and half of the KKR side headed back to the hut in 15 overs. And soon Bhuvneshwar dismissed Narine, who was beaten by the lack of pace and chipped it towards extra cover where Agarwal ran to his left to complete an easy catch.

Shardul Thakur slashed straight at deep point off the bowling of Natarajan for a big but Abdul Samad completed a simple catch and it was all on Rinku to give KKR the big finish. Impact player Anukul Roy came in and smashed two successive boundaries in the 19th over to add crucial runs to the board.

Then, Natarajan bowled a brilliant last over, he first denied Rinku a half-century, removing him on low full toss and inflicted a brilliant run-out to dismiss Harshit Rana on the next delivery. He gave away just three off the over as KKR finished with 171/9 in 20 overs.

Brief scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 171/9 in 20 overs (Nitish Rana 42 off 31, Rinku Singh 46 off 35; Marco Jansen 2/24, T Natarajan 2/30) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad (Aiden Markram 41 off 40, Heinrich Klaasen 36 off 20; Shardul Thakur 2/23, Vaibhav Arora 2/32) by 5 runs.

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India News Sport Sports

Chennai stun Kolkata, back on top

Electing to bowl first, Kolkata used four bowlers in Power-play. But none of them were able to stop the glorious pair of Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad…reports Asian Lite News

Devon Conway smashed his fourth consecutive fifty of IPL 2023 while Ajinkya Rahane dazzled with an unbeaten 29-ball 71 and Shivam Dube slammed a quick 21-ball fifty to propel Chennai Super Kings to the top of the points table with ten points through an emphatic 49-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Sunday.

In front of a crowd which was a sea of yellow, Conway continued his impressive show while Dube attacked the spinners effortlessly and Rahane went after both pace and spin, timing his shots magnificently as Chennai posted the highest IPL score at this venue and against Kolkata.

In reply, Jason Roy and Rinku Singh struck valiant half-centuries, but they were not enough as Kolkata ended up at 185/8, crashing to their fourth straight defeat of the competition. After Chennai had a blistering 73-run opening partnership, Rahane and Dube shared a fantastic stand of 85 runs off 32 balls for the third wicket.

The four-time champions had their plans bang-on in taking Kolkata’s bowling attack to cleaners by hitting 18 sixes and 14 fours in their innings, with leg-spinner Suyash Sharma being the standout bowler for the hosts with his spell of 1-29.

Electing to bowl first, Kolkata used four bowlers in Power-play. But none of them were able to stop the glorious pair of Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad. While Gaikwad got streaky boundaries off an inside edge and top edge, Conway was like a Ferrari in top gear.

He began by swiping across the line over deep square leg for six off David Wiese, followed by using his feet to hammer Varun Chakaravarthy down the ground for another maximum. Conway easily pulled Wiese for four and was lucky to get a boundary despite mistiming a drive.

After Conway sliced hard off Kulwant Khejroliya for four to bring the fifty of the opening partnership, Gaikwad swung him hard for six and then cut Sunil Narine for a glorious four through extra cover, followed by a magnificent inside-out loft over the same region for six.

Kolkata finally broke the partnership when Suyash got a googly to turn in from outside the off-stump and got a bit of dip to rattle Gaikwad’s off-stump. Conway marched on to dance down the pitch and launched Narine for a six over long-on, bringing up his fifty in 34 balls. He then followed it up by nailing a slog-sweep off Chakaravarthy as Chennai brought up their hundred in the 11th over.

His knock ended in the 13th over when he smashed straight to long-off on a wide delivery from Chakaravarthy. Chennai cancelled out the effect of Conway’s fall as Dube smashed two huge sixes in the leg-side in the same over.

Rahane joined the boundary-hitting party by smashing two sixes and a four off Umesh in the 14th over yielding 22 runs, with the one timed over deep backward square leg for a maximum off the bowler’s pace being the standout.

Dube muscled a six off Wiese over long-on and followed it up by slapping past mid-off for four. Post the fifty-run stand coming in just 16 balls, Dube swung through the line to send Suyash over long-on for six.

Rahane welcomed Andre Russell by pulling him for six and four in the 17th over to bring up his fifty in 24 balls. In the next over, Dube got his fifty in 20 balls with a magnificent pulled six, before holing out to long-off on the very next ball.

But Rahane continued to sizzle, bringing out a cheeky scoop off Khejroliya and then danced down the pitch twice to smash consecutive sixes off Chakaravarthy while cutting through cover for four to take 19 runs off the 19th over. Ravindra Jadeja muscled two sixes off Khejroliya in the final over, before holing out to a deep backward square leg, as Chennai crossed the 230-mark.

In reply, Kolkata lost Sunil Narine and N. Jagadeesan in the first two overs. Nitish Rana and Venkatesh Iyer shared a decent 45-run standoff 35 balls before Moeen Ali struck on his first ball by trapping the latter plumb lbw.

Roy came out to bat at five after injuring his ankle earlier while fielding and began with a hat-trick of sixes by sweeping twice and reverse-sweeping once. After Rana slog-swept straight to deep mid-wicket off Jadeja, Roy powerfully swept and sliced off him for six and four respectively, while Rinku slammed another six as 19 runs came off the 11th over.

He then pulled and swung for more boundaries to reach his fifty in 19 balls with a slice past third man for four. Roy went on hit Theekshana for back-to-back fours in the 15th over. But the off-spinner had the last laugh as he castled Roy with a beautiful carrom ball which had some dip.

Despite Andre Russell and Umesh Yadav getting caught in the deep while David Wiese was trapped lbw, Rinku continued to smash boundaries and get his fifty in 30 balls to keep the losing margin below 50 runs.

Brief scores:

Chennai Super Kings 235/4 in 20 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 71 not out, Devon Conway 56, Shivam Dube 50; Kulwant Khejroliya 2-44, Suyash Sharma 1-29) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 186/6 in 20 overs (Jason Roy 61, Rinku Singh 53 not out; Maheesh Theekshana 2-32, Tushar Deshpande 2-43) by 49 runs

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Travel Travel & Tourism

Kolkata’s 7 Instagram-able places

Experience 7 Instagram-able places in the city of joy.(Photo :IANSLIFE)

While you are on a spree to travel and explore different Instagram-worthy destinations across India, you must visit these places, for a feast to your camera, if your destination is Kolkata – the city of joy – By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

Social Media has been ruling our lives for over a decade now. Instagram has been doing it with style by providing an indulgent experience, from witnessing picturesque destinations to a melting pot of flavourful regional cuisines. While you are on a spree to travel and explore different Instagram-worthy destinations across India, you must visit these places, for a feast to your camera, if your destination is Kolkata – the city of joy.

From colonial-era Bungalow-turned-Cafe to India’s oldest functioning Paddle Steamer that presents quintessential river cruising indulgence, Kolkata is a dreamy destination if your Instagram wall demands to be painted with beautiful pictures of the bygone time architecture, locales, and local art, music, food, among others.

Experience 7 Instagram-able places in the city of joy.(Photo :IANSLIFE)
Experience 7 Instagram-able places in the city of joy.(Photo :IANSLIFE)
Experience 7 Instagram-able places in the city of joy.(Photo :IANSLIFE)
Experience 7 Instagram-able places in the city of joy.(Photo :IANSLIFE)
Experience 7 Instagram-able places in the city of joy.(Photo :IANSLIFE)
Experience 7 Instagram-able places in the city of joy.(Photo :IANSLIFE)



The Bengal Paddle: India’s longest surviving Paddle Steamer from 1945 is restored to its lost glory to sail again in Hooghly River (Kolkata). With a capacity to house 500 people, the boat offers an immersive experience of Hooghly’s grandeur. One of the key attractions of the boat is the first-of-its-kind Riverine Museum which has been curated in the vessel’s erstwhile boiler room presenting the history of the Hooghly and the Paddle Steamers that sailed on it. With a dedicated F&B space – both indoor and outdoor – the boat is equipped with global cuisines to aid the patrons with flavourful creations as they enjoy the river’s expansive view.

The Bhawanipur House: A heritage bungalow-turned-cafe, The Bhawanipur House (TBH) opens its door to showcase the age-old architecture, choicest coffees, teas, savouries, and more. Built as a Bungalow during the Imperial rule’s time, today, The Bhawanipur House exhibits the bygone aura, letting the aficionados unwind for hours over the velvety textured teas, aromatic coffees, and a wide menu of sumptuous savouries and platters to decide from. Spend hours with your friends, both old and new, over steaming cups of tea and coruscating plates.

Telling you the tales of Calcutta’s heritage and stories of the past are The Bhawanipur House’s long-standing solid frames and walls that are typical of that period. Its state-of-the-art kitchen and elegant dining experience set the cafe truly apart as one-of-its-kind throughout the city.

Scarlet, AAURIS: This elegant patisserie housed in the AaURIS hotel on Robinson Street, is drool-worthy not only for its freshly baked creations but for its shimmery, luxe decor too. An #InstaWorthy location for desserts, satiate your sweet cravings with an exhaustive menu of donuts and artisanal Ice cream Sundae to choose from. Amid the city yet away from the noise Scarlet lets you unwind peacefully as you scroll through their new sumptuous menu to choose your favourites from. More than just desserts, you must tantalize your tastebuds with their American breakfast, crispy bagels, and more.

Deck88: A haven for those desiring a fine-dine setup and antiquated decor, Deck88 just is the address where you have to be. Housing in The Astor Kolkata, their menu has dishes made using the choicest ingredients. Choose from Mediterranean, Continental, Pan-Asian, Indian, among others, cuisines and pair them with the curated drinks at their picture-worthy bar too.

Park Street: A popular thoroughfare in Kolkata, it is recommended to be here during Christmas to see the beautiful decorations and try some authentic cuisines of the region. Giving the feel of being abroad and everything Christmassy, the place is flooded with fancy lighting and props. Home to several traditional cafes and multi-cuisine eateries, one can satiate both, the hunger for delicious food and Instagram-worthy shots to capture.

St. Paul’s Cathedral: A place of great historical importance, the church prohibits the use of a camera to maintain its sanctity. However, the green meadows outside and the majestic church in the backdrop are where you want to pose for the Instagram.

Victoria Memorial: Built in honour of Queen Victoria, the marble-made building is among one of the most popular Instagrammable places in Kolkata. Surrounding the building is an expansive lush garden that makes an ideal place as a picnic spot, and casual meet space and offers a panoramic view to be captured of course. The building houses a museum reflecting the heritage of the British during their time in India. A mix of colours of the sky, the building, and the lush green garden is sure a photographer’s paradise to be at.

(N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni.h@ians.in)

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Gallery Lite Blogs

Gallery: 28th Int’l Film Festival, Kolkata

28th Kolkata International Film Festival inauguration ceremony at Netaji Indoor Stadium on December 15,2022 (Photo:Pallav Paliwal)

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Arts & Culture Lite Blogs

‘Colours of Kolkata’ celebrating the diversity

“In future, eminent artists of Kolkata will be invited to help in creating such public art at prominent locations to make the City of Joy even more beautiful,” said Kapur…reports Saibal Gupta.

Art has a lot to speak. Though street art is common in the US, Australia and Europe, it has not been tried and tested in that manner in this country.

In an effort to add some colour to the City of Joy, an art campaign is being initiated on Independence Day where all the walls of the Tram Depots painted in different colours by the West Bengal Tramways Company.

The whole idea is to add some colour to the mundane streets. The campaign has been started by the West Bengal Transport Corporation. The art, celebrating Kolkata and its famous citizens, will be done on WBTC depot walls, mostly located in the heart of the city. The art works have been curated by WBTC in collaboration with a city-based artist, Mudar Patherya.

The initiative – ‘Colours of Kolkata’, is an effort to celebrate the diversity of Kolkata. This year also marks the 100th birth anniversary of Satyajit Ray and the 160th of Rabindranath Tagore. To begin with, street art has begun with these two stalwarts. The location is Park Circus; on the wall of a WBTC Tram Depot.

“A lot of times people spit and deface our depot walls. It looks bad. This would add an artsy touch to the art capital of India and also maybe discourage people from spoiling the walls,” said MD of WBTC Rajanvir Singh Kapur.

“In future, eminent artists of Kolkata will be invited to help in creating such public art at prominent locations to make the City of Joy even more beautiful,” said Kapur.

The Colours of Kolkata has already started from Park Circus and will cover the walls of most of the depots till Durga Puja. The next places in line are Tollygunge Tram Depot – opposite Tolly Club and then it will be extended to the Gariahat Depot, near Ballygunge Phari. The Gariahat Depot also houses the Tram World.

The Tram World was launched in December 2020 commemorating the 140th anniversary of the foundation of Calcutta Tramways Company in London. It’s one of a kind tram museum in the whole world.

“The objective of #coloursofkolkata is to utilise the public walls of the city to send out a singular message – that Kolkata is artistically and aesthetically one of the most vibrant cities of the country. I am thankful to WBTC for giving me this opportunity and the movement is intended to attract a variety of artists to help put the city’s best face forward,” said Patherya.

Once completed over all depot walls, this would be a one-of-its-kind initiative anywhere in an Indian city. Kolkata is known as the art capital of India and this will only add to its glory.

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