Whether it’s the pulsating street life, iconic architecture or the rich literature, food and cultural identity, Kolkata is indeed a treat to all your senses. Asrashaheen.in takes you on a photo tour of the city through the eyes of Saumalya Ghosh, a Kolkata-based photographer, specialising in Street and Documentary styles. Saumalya’s lens tells the stories of interesting moments and the “drama in everyday life” playing out on the streets of the city.
There is something truly mesmerizing about Kolkata that rubs off on you, no matter how short-lived or long term your association with the city has been. With its pulsating street life, iconic architecture, rich literature, delectable cuisines and much more, this city is indeed a fascinating melting pot of diverse cultural ethos. Very rightly named the Cultural Capital of India, Kolkata (still “Calcutta” in the fond memories of many) has carefully preserved many a leaf from its heritage past that several other cities have either neglected to oblivion or chosen to erase from their identity. The historic tram system is perhaps the best example. A haven for photographers and other art lovers, every nook and corner of even the most non-descript of alleys and dilapidated of structures are a testament to the rich heritage and the social fabric of the city.
If you have an eye for arts, aesthetics and style, and a huge appetite for lip-smacking street food, Kolkata is a treat for all your senses. And if you haven’t yet visited the City of Joy, it should undoubtedly top your travel bucket list. After all, it’s not for nothing that the Kolkatans share a great sense of pride in the distinct character of their city.
Words fall short when describing the richness of Kolkata’s vibrant spirit, and that’s exactly why Asrashaheen.in takes you on a photo tour of the city through the eyes of Saumalya Ghosh, a Kolkata-based photographer, specialising in Street and Documentary styles. As a keen observer, Saumalya uses his lens to tell stories of interesting candid moments and the “drama in everyday life”, as he describes it, playing out on the streets of the city.
While Saumalya is a software engineer by profession, photography to him is his way of life and an incredible journey that he enjoys to the core. His works and interviews have been published in several national and international magazines, photo books and websites including National Geographic, NatGeo Traveller, Better Photography, Asian Photography, ViEWORLD, International Street Photographer and Roli Books, to mention a few. Saumalya has won several awards including Humanity Photo Awards by UNESCO and China Folklore Photographic Association (2013, 2015) and CBRE Urban Photographer of the Year (2014). His works have been showcased in different International Street and People Photography competitions/festivals such as Miami Street Photography Festival, San Francisco StreetFoto Festival, URBAN Photo Awards 2017 and London Street Photography Festival among others. His photographs have also been exhibited in different national and international galleries in cities including Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Chennai, Greece, China, London, San Francisco, Miami, Rome, Milan, Dubai and others.
Howrah Junction, the gateway to Kolkata
A coolie plying luggage and passenger both in his cart in front of the yellow taxi stand of Howrah Station. The yellow Ambassador taxi, launched in 1958, is yet another iconic symbol of the city.
A rush hour in a fish market in Central Kolkata
An integral part of many Bengali rituals and celebrations, fish is more than a delicacy in a Bengali household.
A tea stall on the ghats of river Ganges in North Kolkata
In 2017, The Guardian named Kolkata’s chai as the best street tea in India. Having street tea in an earthen pot is an experience so inherent to the spirit of Kolkata.
Parade Preparations at Victoria Memorial
A glimpse of Kolkata Police and Indian army personnel preparing for the grad show in front of the iconic Victoria Memorial building. (Every year, the 26th January parade takes place at Red Road, Kolkata.)
A distinct view of Maidan – “The lungs of Kolkata”
The Maidan, also referred to as the Brigade Parade Ground, is the largest and vast stretch of field in the city.
A riverside jetty with the famous Howrah Bridge in the backdrop
Various ghats in Kolkata have daily ferry services.
Terreti Bazaar in Central Kolkata – the place to enjoy Chinese street food breakfast
Kolkata’s Old Chinatown, Territi Bazaar is home to a decades-old Chinese community in the city.
Mullick Ghat flower market, the largest in the city
The largest in Kolkata, and considered to be one of the biggest in Asia, the flower market is located right under the southeast end of the Howrah Bridge.
College Street in Central Kolkata
A 900-metre long street in Central Kolkata, the College Street is famous for its small and big book stores, which earned it the nickname Boi Para (Colony of Books).
The tram legacy of the city
The tram system in the city of Kolkata is operated by West Bengal Transport Corporation after Calcutta Tramways Company was dissolved. It is the only tram network operating in India.
Adda – a quintessence of Bengali character
The closest English word to describe “adda” is “chat” or “gossip”. Adda is a candid, casual conversation session at an informal gathering of like-minded people during leisure hours. The topics could range anywhere from politics and philosophy to Satyajit Ray films or even Phuchka, Muri, AloorChop for that matter.
Morning routines at Maidan
The vast Maidan encompasses several play grounds, including the famous Eden Gardens, various football stadiums and the Kolkata Race Course
A roadside salon in North Kolkata
Roadside barbershops still remain the go-to place for men for a haircut/ shaving in many parts of India and quite prominently in Kolkata.
Blooming riot of colours at Mullick Ghat
People commute from all over the city and suburbs to sell flowers here. The bloom of flowers is an amazing treat to your senses.
Everyday life at the riverside ghats
With their heritage markets, jetties, small temples, parks, open-air massage centres and bathing zones, the ghats are reminiscent of a bygone era.
Nakhoda Mosque in Chitpur area
Eid prayers inside the famous Nakhoda Mosque in Chitpur area.
Durga Puja celebrations of “Bonedi” Families
For generations, the “Bonedi” (‘buniyaadi’ in Urdu, meaning the foundation) families laid the foundations of the city and are known for grand Durga Puja festivities in their ancestral mansions.
To know more about Saumalya Ghosh, visit www.saumalyaghosh.com
