During Christmas, Kolkata’s Park Street ushers in the merry vibes every year. With the festive jingles lingering in the air and the stars twinkling overhead, this long stretch has garnered lovers from far and wide. But ever wondered why it’s so special? Scroll down for answers! By Bayar Jain
Every December, The Kolkata Christmas Festival lights up the bustling Park Street. Themed decorations take to the streets, while twinkling LED ornaments sparkle after sundown. The streets chime in harmonious carols, while a beautiful Christmas tree decked in baubles awaits at the end of Allen Park. As the city’s signature yellow taxi meanders its way through the sweater-draped crowds, the reflections of fairy lights on the surface entice.
If this isn’t enough food for thought for you to visualise what makes Park Street so iconic, we’re here to help! So, don your Christmas hats, slide into your reindeer stockings, prepare the background carols as we take you through Kolkata’s iconic Park Street virtually.
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Initially, stretching from St Xavier’s College to Jawaharlal Nehru road, the festivities have now spread to Mullick Bazar and St Paul’s Cathedral on either side. Over the years, an offshoot of the celebrations have also extended till Vardaan Market on Camac Street.
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Formerly a day-long celebration reserved for the actual Christmas day, the festivities now last till the end of year. After all, who has the heart to take down such beautiful decorations so quickly?
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Despite this extension, the festive spirit remains infectious as ever. Each inch of the street finds itself covered in layers of thematic lighting, courtesy artisans of Chandannagar. Hanging overhead baubles, mistletoes, mini Santas, and stars add to the merriment.
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Ordinarily, people from all across the city walk along these streets to capture a snippet of the mesmerising beauty. While the inception of the festival is as recent as 2011, it has garnered lovers across regions.
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During this time, reindeers (including Rudolph) take to the streets, with the lovable Santa trudging along on his sleigh. Despite the warm climate Kolkata enjoys, cotton balls and faux snow make up for the lack of chilly days.
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Ordinarily set up in the walkers-only zone of Allen Park, the magnificently decorated tree is a sight to behold—during the day and after dark, both. Doubling as the ideal merry backdrop for any festive photo, this space often transforms as a space for events as well. Think carol competitions, food stalls, Christmas parades and more.
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Shops selling mini reindeers, stars, and Santas find a space on the roads, with many kids eyeing the ideal treetop to take home. Smells of plum cakes whiff through the air, while the bustling shoppers tussle for the best deals.
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This merry vibe extends to the indoor spaces as well, particularly at St Paul’s Cathedral on Cathedral Road. Considered the largest church in Kolkata and Asia’s first Anglican cathedral, the solemn space adorns itself in wreaths, lights and trinkets.
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While this year’s Park Street Christmas celebrations might be relatively dull, the lights will continue to shine bright, nonetheless. After all, Christmas is all about spreading the joy and happiness!
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