Kolkata’s Calcutta Illumination Project: Transforming Nighttime Tourism
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/10th July 2024
The Calcutta Illumination Project (CIP) has ignited a spark that’s captivating not just India but also catching the eye of international onlookers. Launched last September by Mudar Patherya and supported by Kolkata Restorers, CIP aims to illuminate 500 heritage structures in Kolkata. This initiative has ushered in a new era of nighttime tourism, with people marveling at the city’s stunning architecture well past sunset.
Among those drawn back to Kolkata by CIP’s charm was Ajay Shah, a software engineer who studied at St. Joseph’s College in Bowbazar before heading to IIT Bombay and eventually moving to San Francisco. Despite living in the US for 35 years, Ajay and his wife, Sonal, made it a point to visit Kolkata every alternate year—until the pandemic disrupted their routine. Recently, the couple managed a brief two-day trip to Kolkata and dedicated an evening to explore the city’s freshly illuminated landmarks.
They joined Navpreet Arora, a heritage tour guide and founder of FunOnStreets, for a specially curated tour. Navpreet didn’t just show them the illuminated buildings but also shared captivating stories about each one. The tour included landmarks like the General Post Office (GPO), Royal Insurance Building, St. Andrew’s Church, Standard Life Assurance Building, St. John’s Church, Magen David Synagogue, House of B. K. Paul, and Kalachand Temple.
One highlight was the House of B. K. Paul, where the couple learned about Edward’s Tonic, a product that had made Paul a household name. The tonic remains available at the pharmacy even today. Ajay expressed his enthusiasm for the CIP, saying, “When my cousin told us about CIP, we knew we had to see it. Despite our short trip, we adjusted our schedule and even canceled a dinner to make this happen.”
Navpreet aimed to make the architecture come alive by weaving stories around the buildings. She shared the history of Kolkata’s white, black, and grey towns, revealing the deeper layers of the city’s past. The tour began with the GPO, a place Ajay remembered from his childhood. Seeing it illuminated left him in awe. “We were just expecting to see the illuminated buildings, but Navpreet’s stories enhanced their aura. Learning about the history of a place adds to its beauty,” he remarked.
Sonal, an architecture enthusiast, was equally impressed by the city’s transformation since her last visit. “I always knew Kolkata was rich in heritage, but until my last visit, everything was very grimy. This time though, it’s gleaming,” she exclaimed.
The couple marveled at the gleaming Standard Life Assurance Building, with Navpreet noting that its architect, Frederick William Stevens, was also behind Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. The tour had a profound impact on Ajay, altering his perception of Kolkata and sparking a desire to learn more about the city in future visits.
Navpreet was thrilled by the couple’s reaction, as it aligns perfectly with her mission for FunOnStreets. She revealed plans for an expanded version of the tour, which will span over three hours and explore Kolkata at night by bus. This more extensive tour will delve into the city’s bustling markets and the enduring relationship between churches and education, portraying Kolkata as a vibrant, living entity.
The Calcutta Illumination Project is more than a visual spectacle; it’s a celebration of Kolkata’s rich heritage and a beacon for its future, drawing people from around the world to experience the city’s illuminated glory.
