Not Paris at night, Kolkata shines with lights

The city of Kolkata changes its appearance as soon as the sun sets. After the hustle and bustle of the day, traffic jams, and crowds, when the city’s traditional buildings are lit up, it seems like this city is not like any other city. Then it looks like a sparkling Paris..

The historic General Post Office, Viceroy’s Palace, Hindu temple, Jain temple, church or ancient merchant house – we have seen all of them many times in the light of day. But when they shine in the soft yellow glow in the darkness of night, they seem to regain a new life. That’s when it feels like sparkling Paris.

It was from this experience that Kolkata’s “Lighting Campaign” began. With this initiative, the city’s many old and crumbling walls and dilapidated beauty are all shining in the light and becoming attractive again.

Mudar Patheria is leading this entire project. However, this is not a government project, there is no politics of any committee or chair. This group called “Kolkata Restorers” was born from the willpower and love of a group of citizens.

First, he collected money to paint the dome of an old market. Later, he realized that it is not possible to bring out beauty without light. And from there, the idea of ​​​​this lighting came. Once he started lighting, he could not stop.

For example, the 150-year-old clock tower of the Hog Market. Swapan Dutta, a fourth-generation clock craftsman, who is known as “Ghari Babu” in the city, has taken the initiative to restore the clock that had been bad and stopped for many years. The old tower clocks have been restored by his hands.

However, after the play of light started, another thing came to the fore. The dilapidated condition of many buildings began to be caught in the light. As a result, not only lighting, but also a lot of reconstruction work is needed.

Kolkata, the former capital of British India, gradually fell into neglect after independence. Historical Big shopping malls and big flats are being built there by demolishing the architecture. But this lighting initiative is awakening a new sense of pride in the minds of the city’s citizens.

Kolkata lovers like Himanjali Shankar say, — This passion to love and protect the city’s heritage is its real strength.

Mudar Patheria’s dream does not end here. His goal is to illuminate more than 200 buildings. In his words — ”If the architecture of the city, which is so rich, can be illuminated properly, then Kolkata will be one of the most beautiful cities at night.”