And for a Friday, returning from Kolkata, some thoughts..… some musings…..
It was a rare event. Normally destination weddings are in some exotic havelis/backwaters, in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kumarakom etc. etc. This exclusively private wedding of our very dear friend’s daughter, was in the very heart of Kolkata. You can’t get more central than the majestic Dame of Chowringhee – The Oberoi Grand. The sense of calm, quietitude, the old world charm, the very sacred and well renowned “Vastu” of the marriage mandap area of the Gharana hall, the Burdwan reception rooms and the broad verandas. The peace and calm that prevails inside the hotel is in complete contrast to the chao, noise and the huge bustle and hustle of the hawkers, traffic and the crowds around New Market area.
With all the noise, the clutter and the stark poverty fully visible, Kolkata is still fondly remembered as Calcutta or Cal to all of us who love this city. I have very fond memories of this metropolis as I started my career in TATAs, then Tata-Fison, as a Management Trainee in 1974, got married and we enjoyed our times in this loving city. Calcutta is known for its fine blend of modernity with vintage charm. The city’s streets, people and specially the food, have a distinct character of their own. The diversity is imminent and variations is unmatched. Double egg chicken Kathi rolls of Nizams, sundowners at Trincas in Park Street, puchkas at Victoria, Jhalmouris at 7,Ballygunge Place is outstanding Bengali food. It’s not just about food. This city is the Gateway to Eastern India, with the heart and magnanimity to absorb the poor, all who are uprooted from their villages due to floods, draught or any calamity. No entry barrier to the city, irrespective of language, religion, caste, creed or colour. This huge city embraces and adsorbs them all.
Omricron is slowly fading and life is getting back to normal. Travel, tourism and marriages are inching back. Let’s hope and pray the perils of the Pandemic are behind us. BUT let’s continue to be vigilant, the masking way, the safe distance way, the SEEGOS way.