Christmas in the heart spreads Christmas in the air

Those of us who grew up in Calcutta in the mid-fifties and early sixties, have recollections of “Christmas” which was then still a major “festival” universally celebrated. The nip in the air heralded the onset of winter and the advent of a four week school-break appeared to stretch interminably into the horizon. Mornings dissolved into long, lazy afternoons, which in turn, gave way to evenings usually spent at the Victoria Memorial or the “Maidan” (Kolkata did not have a NICCO PARK then.)

The maidan or “gorer-math” as was it was called by the “locals”, had a number of mobile vendors, far fewer food-stalls, (and certainly no “Bikaner Bhujiawala”), but innumerable persons selling “toys”. The most coveted of all in my estimation were the “kaleidoscopes”, or “durbins” which lungi-clad jhola-bearing craftsmen tempted us with. “Just four annas” they would entice, “see, take a look through the glass and buy whichever you feel has the best design”. Attractively packaged in silver paper, they unfolded a magical world before my seven year old eyes.

Kaleidoscopes, kites, home-made stuffed toys, (usually rabbits, but occasionally dolls as well) and all manner of paper crafts were sold for a song by these itinerant salesmen. But New-Market was the real magnet which drew all children there. The New-Market had no competition then, no glass and granite malls as we see now, and the larger-than-life red Santa-Claus in the central plaza was a feast for the eyes.

The market’s interior was decorated with “jack-o-lanterns” and “paper chains”, and shops selling greeting cards jostled with buyers. The smell of freshly baked cakes and cheese-straws wafted out into the aisles, and drew us like flies into “NAHOUM’S” or “D’GAMAS”. “Burra Din”, in short, was our very own festival.

Christmas weaves a spell of nostalgia.  Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance — a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.

Christmas, in fact, still remains Kolkata’s very own festival. Though New Market has lost much of its glory, Nahoums still sells, arguably, the best cakes of the world. Park Street is still lit up wonderfully. Christmas in Kolkata combines solemnity of the occasion and revelry of the festivity.

I have small note of caution. As responsible citizen please don’t let one’s revelry be pain for others.  Like every other festivity, be vigilant.  Please report any suspicious activities. Don’t panic, in case of an exigency. We have arranged a fool-proof security arrangement to make your festivity unspoilt.  Please don’t forget to report any instance of eve-teasing or attempt of molestation, we would act tough.

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

Wish you merry Christmas and a best year ahead.

Yours truly,

Gautam Mohan Chakrabarti