Calcutta or Kolkata as of now has a unique character.At the first instant its stark – misery,squalor and chaos are discomforting but as you visit again and again the sights and sounds start becoming a part of your psyche.
Its life – at its fullest; struggling for survival one moment and ecstatic at its existence the other.The human drama unfolds and like a black hole of emotions it sucks you in.Before you know you are a part of the landscape.
The Rs 2 a plate lunch,the casual hangouts(addas),the maidan(big ground),Victoria Memorial,The Howrah bridge,The new market and the river Ganges catch you unaware and with a slow pace that’s so characteristic of this ‘City of Joy’ seep in to become a part of you forever.
Here are some images that got etched in my mind …
Got this link from “As The Mind Meanders”. The very first para is so true..You have captured the essence of Kolkata so well.
Many thanks for visiting and your comment.I can say for Kolkata ” you miss a beat ,you loose the rhythm” so most of us can’t look beyond what meets the eye.
Thanks for that. Here in the West we need trusted and knowledgable “ambassadors,” as it were, to interpret vast phenomena like Calcutta for us–and you did a great job with a few evocative words and a handful of shots!!
Also think that the poem that came after is a winner too.
Re : Poem – Just wanted to give words to an amazing piece nature had thrown at me.
I would recommend you to read Dominique Lapierre’s ” City Of Joy” which was later filmed with Patrick Swayze in it.Here’s the link for more info :
city of Joy