Murshidabad Palaces

(Pictures courtesy : Nilanjan Basu)

Hazarduari Palace

The Hazarduari Palace, or the palace with a thousand doors is the chief tourist attraction of Murshidabad. This three-storey palace was built in 1837 by Duncan McLeod for the Nawab Najim Humaun Jah, descendent of Mir Zafar. It has thousand doors (among which only 900 are real) and 114 rooms and 8 galleries, built in European architectural style. The total area of Hazarduari Palace is 41 acres. It is now a museum and has an exquisite collection of armoury, splendid paintings, exhaustive portraits of the Nawabs, various works of art including beautiful works of ivory (Murshidabad school) of China (European) and many other valuables. The Armoury has 2700 arms in its collections of which only few are displayed. Swords used by Shiraj-ud-Daulla and his grandfather, Nawab Alivardi Khan, can be seen here. The other attractions in this floor are Vintage Cars and Fittan Cars used by the Nawabs and their families. (Text - http://www.murshidabad.gov.in/)

Nasipur Palace

The Nasipur Palace was built by Kirti Chand, a descendent of Debi Singh. Debi Sing, who settled here from Punjab, was a tax collector in the early days of the East India Company. Within the palace compound is the Ramachandra Temple, one of the largest temples in the district. Adjacent is the palatial temple of Lakshmi-Narayana, famous for its Jhulanjatra celebrations. The main building of the Raj Bari , which is a two storied house with a grand flight of stairs, has an imposing facade. (Text http://www.murshidabad.gov.in/)

More puja pics - Kolkata

Spider man at Puja pandal in Dover lane

Mother goddess at Hazra Pally pandal

Mother goddess at Hazra Road, which had theme of Mehndi

Sindur Khela on Dashami at Maddox Square

Sindur Khela is an event of Dashami, before the idol of mother goddess is immersed in water. Married women take part in the sindur khela whereby pray to the goddess with vermilion, betel leaf, sweets and smearing each other with sindur to bid farewell to the Devi.

Pyanchai Durga

Hindustan Park Sarbojanin Durgotsab Committee, Kolkata is in its 79th year of its presentation and it has puja pandal in the theme revolving around 'owl'. As per the committee it is their endeavor to present artistic concept of owl produced by various artists. The board at the puja pandal states ‘owl which is companion of goddess of wealth Lakshmi and the Greek goddess of knowledge Athena worshipped as diety in Kusha era. This nocturnal bird is endangered. Like third eye of durga its alert eyes protect our crops from harmful elements’.

More puja's of Kolkata

Singhi Park Puja ....pandal is in form of famous Badrinath temple

Pandal in Lotus in water at Padmapukur Road Puja

Balak Sangha Puja

Balak SangaPuja at Motilal Nehru Road, Kolkata

Maddox Square Puja

Puja blog cannot be complete if it does not cover the iconic Maddox Square puja. Thousands throng the pandal, though it drizzled but could not deter youngsters to be at Maddox Square, today. Roads surrounding Maddos Square are all illuminated with lights and off course hoardings of Ponds and Zee Bangla, the sponsors of Puja. By the way according to CESC, Maddox Square has applied for a load of 310 kw this year, probably one of the highest in community puja's of South Kolkata.

Durga Puja with Nepal as theme

Tridhara Sammilani located at the junction of Rashbehari Avenue, Monohar Pukur and Mahanirban Road is celebrating the 63rd year of Durga Puja with Nepal as its theme. This year the puja is called “Tridhara’r Trisharanang’’, keeping in mind the three tenets or sharana’s of Buddhism.

Kash Phool, Puja is round the corner !

Puja's are around the corner in West Bengal so is rains, clouds in the sky and of course ‘Kash Phool’. Am linking the earlier story of last year for Kash Phool for more .....http://kolkataeyes.blogspot.com/2008/09/kash-phool-is-here.html

Durga Idol, Kumartuli

Idol of Goddess Durga being taken to Howrah, Belighata, from Kumartuli, Kolkata

Hand of God

Lime butterfly at National Library, Kolkata

National Library, Kolkata

Lime butterfly

National Library is the largest library in India. It is located on scenic 30 acres Belvedere Estate, in Kolkata. It is oldbuilding which used to be It was former residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal. It is under the 'Department of Culture, Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Government of India'. The park and outside region of the library is lush green, and is at its peak during rains but needs bit of maintenance. I clicked this Common lime butterfly at the library complex.

Info on common lime butterfly (sourced from wikipedia)
Common Lime Butterfly (Papilio demoleus) is a widespread butterfly and gets its name from its host plants which are usually citrus species such as the lime. Unlike most swallowtail butterflies it does not have a prominent tail. It is perhaps the most widely distributed swallowtail in the world. Butterfly is an avid mud-puddler and visitor of flowers. It basks with its wings held wide open on tufts of and generally keeps within a metre above the ground, even on cloudy days. It relies on its quick flight for escape. An interesting butterfly in that it has a number of modes of flight. In the cool of the morning, the flight is slow considering that it is an edible and unprotected swallowtail. As the day progresses, it flies fast, straight and low. In the hotter part of the day, it may be found settling on damp patches where it will remain motionless, except for an occasional flutter of wings, if not disturbed.

It is also a frequent visitor of flowers in gardens, where it shows a preference for flowers of smaller herbs rather than larger plants such as the ubiquitous with its plentiful blooms. While resting, the butterfly closes its wing over its back and draws the forewings between the hindwings.

The Great Banyan Tree

Botanically known as Ficus Benghalensis, the Great Banyan tree is located in Howarh district of West Bengal(near to Kolkata). It is 250 years old. It has circumference of 1.08km, highest branch till 24.5 meters and has 2880 aerial roots which gives it a look of collection of trees – could be called a mini forest !

Uniquely it does not have main trunk, which had to be removed in 1925 as it has decayed but the tree is still perfect vigour. It is listed in Guinness Book of world records. Though there is no history of its planting but is mentioned in travel books in nineteenth century. Pictures from a distance, and with its roots on the road and within its compound, taken from within the mini forest !

Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary

Tree at Chintamani kar bird sancutary

Bushbrown butterfly on a leaf at Chintamani

A moth on a leaf at Chintamani

Signage at the entrance of it being named as Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary

Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary, is home to a great variety of birds, butterflies, epiphytes, ferns and orchids. It is located to the west of Netaji Subhas Road connecting Garia with Baruipur in the Rajpur area in southern Kolkata. Locally known as 'Kayaler Bagan', the Sanctuary is close to Ramkrishna Mission Institute, Narendrapur. It was notified as a sanctuary in 1982, and then notified as Narendrapur Wildlife Sanctuary on 8th September 2004 and later renamed as Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary in year 2005.

The Sanctuary was named after the noted sculpture Sri Chintamoni Kar, who along with many local people and many NGO's fought tirelessly for a decades to obtain wildlife sanctuary status for 'Kayaler Bagan'. Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary is also an orchard covered with local fruit trees-many over a hundred years old. It is open 0700 hrs -1600 hrs and one has to pay Rs 15.00 as ticket to its entrance. There is no parking zone, if you go on your own vehicle, it will have to park on the road outside the sanctuary.

Tollywood star Prosenjit to advocate for Child Health in West Bengal

Actor Prosenjit Chatterjee has joined hands with West Bengal government and UNICEF to help promote messages for child survival. To start with he will be extending his support to promote use of ORS and Zn tablets and promote breastfeeding. Two special 60 seconds spots have been produced by Government & UNICEF. The same have been directed by Aveek Mukherjee.

Health Minister Surja Kanta Mishra, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Lori Calvo State Representative UNICEF office for West Bengal and Deb Kumar Chakraborty Join Secretary Health , were present at an official announcement today at Kolkata. "I am happy to be part of initiative for children and work with UNICEF and State Government to contribute my bit to this cause. These are simple interventions and doable and can help save lives of children so let’s promote them," said Chatterjee.

Mishra spoke about the government initiatives on health in the state. He spoke on the state is doing better in keeping infant and maternal mortality rates down. He said that these initiatives will help further strengthen the work. "Important is to reach out with communities with right message and information, and with engagement of Mr. Chhatterjee to this cause, am sure it will help us to increase reach of the messages to communities," said Lori Calvo, State Representative, UNICEF office for West Bengal. State of West Bengal has infant mortality rate of 37 per 1000 children which is below national average and better then many Indian states.

Anti ragging

Ragging is a crime on campus, now gay bashing may get included in it. West Bengal Government is planning to introduce regulations that would make University campuses sensitive to the needs of gay students. The decision comes days after a landmark Delhi High Court judgment on the amendment of Article 377. The state higher education department will seek the opinion of the universities, both affiliated and non-affiliated, on adding new clauses to the Anti Ragging Law, to help stop atrocities against gay students, if at all. (pic anti ragging hoarding at Jadavpur University)

Vaccination drive, oral rehydration corners in Aila-affected areas

In a bid to curb the rising spate of water-borne diseases in the Aila-affected areas, the North and South 24 Parganas district administration has set up oral rehydration corners along with a vaccination drive. The drive is being implemented by UNICEF in collaboration with partner NGOs and Kolkata Medical College.

''Twelve such corners have been set up in the districts where the people are being taught how to use bleaching solution, halogen tablets and ORS. They are also being taught about the importance of cleaning one's hands, purifying water and using ORS and home-based fluids to rehydrate patients,'' UNICEF sources said. A joint Vitamin A and measles vaccination drive has also been initiated to prevent the outbreak of disease after Aila, the sources added.

Meanwhile, a special drive on measles and Vitamin A has been initiated for six months for five-year-old children in six Aila-affected blocks of Gosaba, Basanti, Patharpratima, Kultali of South 24 Parganas and Sandeskhali-I and Hingalgunj of North 24 Parganas. The drive started on July 16 and would continue for 7-14 days in each block depending on the number of children.

On the 'bandh' day

Children playing cricket during the day time on Ritichie Road. 17 July,2009, was West Bengal bandh. This was called by Congress Partythis time. Normally this is busy road at this point of time, but since bandh was successful and children got a new playground to play.....

Grey Pansy Butterfly

Grey Pansy (Junonia atlites) butterfly at Kolkata's Rabindra Sarobar park

Chess on Kolkata Roads

Chess pieces on middle of road in Kolkata

It rained in Kolkata

Clouds and rains over nalban lake

Fetching fish seeds

A family fetching fish seeds in Sunderbans region of North 24 Parganas, in West Bengal.

Sunderbans : River embankements under repair

More than 400 km of embankments in Sunderbans area were damaged by Cyclone Aila when it stuck the delta region on May 25, 2009. Pictures show that it is under repair, at North 24 Parganas. Repair work is tough and has to overcome the pressures of high tides, which is taking time, henceforth till date many villages are under water, even though it has been more then a month since Aila stuck.

Community Kitchen at North 24 Parganas

Women cooking at community kitchen in North 24 Parganas. This community kitchen is supported by an NGO, is in panchayat of Sandeshkali I block of the district and is reaching out to five thousand people which were displaced by Cyclone Aila on May 25, 2009.

Stripped Albatross Butterfly

Striped Albatross, on a flower at Science City, Kolkata. This butterfly gets its name from the male butterfly, which is white with prominent black veins on the underside. Scientifically it is Appias libythea and belongs to Family Pieridae, which is relatively large family of butterflies.

Gosaba Islands - Post Aila

Chota Mollakali, Gosaba

Pictures : Prabir Chatterjee

Iskcon Rath at Kolkata

Guava bloom

Guava, an important tropical fruit of West Bengal, traders are off lading it for sale in market place in South 24 Parganas district.

South 24 Parganas along with Nadia, Midnapore, Burdwan and Hooghly are guava producing districts of West Bengal. It is third most important fruit crop of West Bengal state after mango and banana. Introduced in India in the XVIIth century A.D. by Portuguese, it is now one of the important subtropical fruits of India. Recent years have seen several commercial orchards coming up in West Bengal Guava. Guava is used in folk rites, rituals and festivals. Folk healers use guava plant as folk medicines for curing ailments. Different folklores are evolved in the agrarian folk societies in the form of oral literature like proverbs, rhymes, riddles, folk songs etc.

It is good source of vitamin C, pectin, calcium and phosphorous. Plant leaves could be used for curing diarrhea and off course ripe fruits are used in making wine; which warms the blood within our veins !!

Cat enjoying with the plant !

Saline water seeps farm fields in Sunderbans

Farm fields in the Sunderbans area of South 24 Parganas could be rendered uncultivable as saline water has seeped into them after Aila damaged river embankments in these areas. Even water level has come down but farm fields still have saline water which needs to be pumped out. At many places like in the picture river embakements virtually is non existent so with high tide (like the one expected today) water may enter the villages again. (picture is of G plot Sunderbans wherein water is n farm field adjacent to river whoose embakement has been washed away by Aila)

'Dude's Doodh' was missing in Kolkata today !

Kolkata missed this today !!! (pic was taken few days back)

As Amul launches its new TVC 'Dude where's da doodh?' for youngsters and kids stating that Amul Doodh is their preference over any other beverage. But unfortunatley this 'Dude's doodh' was not available in Kolkata today, disappointing many of its customers. Amul retailer at Lansdowne market shared with this blog that due to some problem in the plant, production could not be done hence their was no supply in the city. Amul milk shortage lead to fast sales of milk of other dairies, leaving many customers without milk supply by evening. Hope Amul will be able to resume its supply by tommorrow morning alternatively other diaries might have fulfill the gap or else city may face wrath of milk shortage !

Aila stuck West Bengal fears water borne diseases spread

Carcass in water in South 24 Parganas

Thousands of carcasses are floating in waters in South 24 Parganas after Cyclone Aila stuck the district on May 25 2009. The situation is hard in Gosaba and Basanti block of the district. One could see loating carcasses. Health experts fear of spread of water borne disease and reported number of cases of diarrhoea have increased. People are still waiting for safe drinking water or else they are dependent on the contaminated water available.

Cyclone Aila - 5.1 million affected in West Bengal

Trying to save whateever is left at their homes after Aila stuck and water flooded their homes

Breaches in embakement in South 24 Parganas

Cyclone Aila and later on followed by rains and lanslides in other districts has affected lives of around 5.1 million people in West Bengal. The death toll due to cyclone Aila mounted to 115 as the West Bengal government appealed to Central Government to declare the devastation as a national calamity and provide Rs 1,000 crore for relief and rehabilitation. The devastation is unprecedented, not seen by many. Breaches have occurred in 400 km of embankments in North and South 24 Parganas and along 100 km in other districts making water gushing in and out of the villages flooded with water. Water, food and shelter is an immediate need but as water dries up and levels go down, water borne disease could rise as water has many carcasses in it or State takes up measures to mitigate the same.

South 24 Parganas worst hit by Aila in West Bengal

The death toll from cyclone Aila that hit India's West Bengal state rose to 82. Among the worst-hit districts were the coastal South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas districts where 34 deaths had occurred and Kolkata along with other seven districts reported the remaining deaths. The state government is carring out rescue operations in the coastal Parganas districts where the cyclone and accompanying heavy rains submerged large swathes of land. The Sunderbans region is part of the districts, where several delta islands had been inundated. Though relief efforts are on but people are still waiting for relief material in islands of South 24 Parganas. The need is of safe drinking water, food and shelter which is immediate along with medicines. (In picture - people waiting for drinking water supply on an embakement of one of the islands of South 24 Parganas and in another picture village is totally sybmerged under water)

High speed winds hits Kolkata

Fifteen people injured and five deaths have been reported from Kolkata, where normal life has been hit as storm ripped through Kolkata, North & South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Burdwan and East Midnapore district of the state of West Bengal. All flights to Kolkata have been disrupted, train services hampered and tram services have been halted. A South Eastern Railway spokesman told media persons that allen trees have blocked tracks at four stations in the Kharagpur-Howrah section, leaving several passenger trains stranded. The storm has killed at least 19 people and affected a population of 1.10 lakh in the state. (In picture - uprooted trees, electric pole and traffic jam in Kolkata streets due to the storm)

Sunday drizzle

Monsoon may hit West Bengal in the next few days. Met office in Kolkata shared the same information with media. Anyway early morning onwards Kolkata had a light drizzle, easing the heat. Though yesterday met office had issued a cyclone alert, warning of heavy rain in south Bengal in the next 48 hours and asking fishermen not to go to sea. The expected cyclonic storm and the early monsoon onset are related. Sharing some pictures of Kollkata today morning as it drizzle ! (Pic details... Butterfly at a park after the drizzle, taxi wheeling in the water logging at Dhakuria lake, and water on the leaves of the plant at a park in Kolkata......)

Kolkata waits for another Nor'wester !

Saturday was incidentally Kolkata’s hottest day in seven years as the mercury shot past 42 Celesius and touched 42.1. With humidity levels at 87 per cent, Kolkatan's were found dripping. Friday too was the hot with mercury soaring at 41.8 degrees Celsius, which was six degrees above normal. Not only in Kolkata, even other districts of West Bengal like Bankura and West Midnapore districts, the mercury soared to 45 degrees and 44 degrees respectively. The continued spell of heat in the past couple of weeks has been the longest in many years, with the mercury hovering around the 40°C mark except last Sunday when Nor’wester had momentarily halted the heat wave. Though today evening Kolkata witnessed little breeze giving some relief and hope for another Nor'wester !

Mobiles in Kolkata to have number portability

Mobile users in Kolkata would have the facility to shift their service provider without changing their present number. A private company had received the license to implement the same by Sept 20,2009. In the license given, in first phase they would implement the service in four circles of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kolkata. The second phase which would take place next year in the remaining seven circles, including West Bengal and other states of the eastern region would be included.

Kolkata rains

It rained in Kolkata on first Sunday of May giving Kolkatan's a respite after they had experienced hot April gone by. (pictures - Kolkata 3.45 pm)

Dakshineswar Temple

Dakshineswar Temple or Kali temple located on banks of Hooghly in Kolkata. This three storeyed temple, facing south is built in traditional 'Nava-ratna' style of Bengal architecture. It has enormous courtyard and was founded on the 31st of May,1855. A series of 12 identical Shiva temples are within the premises and are close to the banks of the river. The interior of the Shiva temples is done in white and black stone and each of the temples houses Shiva lingas done in black stone. The temples face the east and are constructed in the typical ‘Aat Chala’ Bengal architecture. The Temple is situated alongside the Vivekananda Bridge, which is in picture.

New rickshaw on Kolkata roads

New design rickshaw on Kolkata roads. As per rickshaw owner (the one in picture) this new design rickshaw costed him about Rs 10,000. It has new look straight seats, an added comfort to the passenger and has space below the seat wherein one can keep his luggage. A complete new look transport with added comfort on Kolkata roads !

Sunday morning bazaar !

It is 6 am, Sunday, a time many of us are in our beds but for hundreds of wholesellers who were on either sides of APC road selling garments. It is a market for retailers of garments for children & women, who buy in dozens for their shops. 'Direct users' do also drop in but rates vary and are different for different buyers!! but still is a good bargain. My driver's (who knew all about Kolkata !) told me this market is known as 'Harissa bazaar' (for me harissa was a name of a sauce/ hot red pepper paste which has fiery dip of varying degrees of intensity), which even the market had !. He from his knowledge bank added that it is held on every Sunday morning and winds up by 1200 - 1300 hrs. May be u may know more then him, please feel free to add on to it. ...but meanwhile have a look at two pics from the market.

Common evening brown

Common evening brown butterfly (Melanitis leda) on a wall in a house in Kolkata. This butterfly is a common and found across Kolkata and that matter India, except in the arid northwest region. Active early morning and at dusk this butterfly has distinctive seasonal variations. In the picture is the wetform of the Common evening brown.

Real lives...real options

Real lives.. real options a study exploring the livelihood options for trafficked survivors in rural and urban areas undertaken by Sanlaap supported by Terre des hommes was launched today at Oxford Book store, Park Street, Kolkata. The objective of the study was to assess the present situation of survivors restored by Sanlaap between year 2004 and 2006 in South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas and Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. The study has tried to collate accurate information concerning possible livelihood options in rural West Bengal and analyse possible market opportunities for products produced by survivors. In the process the study also looks at various challenges and also various programmes by various NGOs and Government agencies. Copy of the study is available with Sanlaap office at Kolkata.

Kolkata summer blooms (Earth Day Special)

Inspite of the heat wave, Kolkata trees are blooming with yellow, red, blue coloured flowers giving its park a vibrant summer look. On the earth day we are listing above pictures from some of them, enjoy the freshness and forget the heat for a moment !

Kolkata is hot & humid !

A heat wave has hit Kolkata and one can see no respite, frequent power cuts by CESC are adding to agony of people. Sales and prices of dhab, sugar cane juices are on rise. Not to left behind are cold drinks and off course our own nimbu pani ! Mercury is at 41 degree probably Kolkata's hottest April in last ten years. Weather officials predict that the weather would continue to warm for at least next two days in West Bengal. Weather official while speaking to ANI said that "No respite will be there for the next 48 hours for West Bengal and the main reason for this discomfort or high temperature is due to the lack of sufficient moisture in the atmosphere. The moisture that is generally available in the atmosphere has been driven away by the recent cyclone 'Bijli' from our state.

Poila Baisakh

South city mall welcoming Poila Baisakh

It is election time in Kolkata !

Grafitti on walls, flags, hoardings and bill boards adorn streets of Kolkata as it heads for election

Kolkata summer blooms !

Man with many hats !

Is it Howrah Railway Station ?

Is it Howrah Railway station ? The largest railway station, well no !!.. This one is at Rail Museum. Incidentally it is also located in Kolkata, close to the real one...but neverthless is more greener and less crowded !. Interestingly if one enters this one in the Rail Museum, it has details history of Howrah and even Sealdah railway station.

GPO Kolkata, an interesting heritage

General Post Office located at Dalhousie square of Kolkata, is one of its 800 heritage buildings. It was completed and occupied on 2nd October, 1868. This two-storeyed building with its impressive dome rising to a height of over 220 feet is an important landmark in the city of Kolkata. It is a living testimony to the long tradition of service of the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department. It has been the nerve-centre for the postal needs of millions of citizens of Kolkata over successive generations. It also had a '40 paise' stamp which carried its image on it and was issued on 2nd October 1968 which was its centenary year. At its entrance it has imposing top edifice of tall Ionic Corinthian Pillars. Originally this site marked the outpost of the first Fort Williams which was build to protect the old city. It also has a postal museum which is said to be philatelist delight.

Magnet gas !

This is called as magnet gas !!, on sale at Strand road in Kolkata. The man selling this shared with us that it repels rats and other rodents. A small bottle of 25 ml or so, cost ten rupees and if one buys three, it will cost twenty rupees - a bargain!! Spray few drops at the corners of the room and rats and other rodents will just go away, he added !! The blog could not verify its effectiveneess and neither its safety !. In case you know more about it, please go ahead and share info in comments...

Many options in Kolkata on V'Day

Vivida cruise at Millenium Park is offering special river cruises. In pic is the gate of Vivida cruise welcoming all to celebrate V'Day. Neverthless cashing on the popularity of the day, they have hiked the rates. It is Rs 800 for sunset cruise (5 - 7 pm) and Rs 1800.00 for diner cruise (8- 10 pm). The prices are for a couple and not inclusive of dinner and drinks etc. They may offer starters in sunset cruise and may be a welcome drink at dinner cruise !! but for other things you may have to pay.

Meanwhile 'Feelings Expresso' near Rashbehari Avenue had a unique offer. They are offering their customers to 'emboss' love you messages, or any sign or a picture for one to convey V' Day message. The shop is even offering to put picture of your beloved on to the rose !. And it will cost your purse Rs 30 for a single rose bud to Rs 100 for a small bouquet. So one can find many opportunities on offer on a V day at Kolkata !

Flowers at high court

Flowers at high court, which were on display in recently concluded flower show at the high court premises. (Also is pix of side view of High Court in Kolkata from outside)

Upcoming Valentine Day...

IANS, Kolkata reports that this Valentine's Day, young ones in Kolkata won't say it just with a card but also with a tattoo. Though it will be temporary one! The queues outside the 10-15 tattoo parlours here have got longer with Feb 14 around the corner — a day when many young hearts profess their love. The youngsters though are mostly going for painted tattoos, where the ink will fade in a few months. IANS quotes Raja Pyne, one of the oldest tattoo artists in Kolkata, that he has already tattooed over 90 youngsters since mid-January and holds more than 40 bookings for 40 more till Feb 14. Similarly quoting another city-based tattoo artist, Anil Sakarwal, has tattooed over 70 youths. Thanks to growing popularity of tattoo's in Bollywood it is catching up here.

Corporates are not to be left behind, they are trying to cash on the popularity of V day in young ones Vodafone has a special hoarding at Park Street, and Temptation's perfumes cashing on V day popularity has hoardings across the city ! though message is not gender sensitive one.

Droplets of dew

Droplets of dew on a leaf

Sunrise

Sunrise from wetlands in East Kolkata

Kolkata Book Fair

33rd Kolkata International Book Fair will be ending this Sunday. It had brought in an opportunity for many book lovers across the State to browse through a variety of books from almost all over the world in one place and even buy some on stalls where they were being sold. Organised at Milon Mela on the Eastern Bypass, Scotland was the theme country, and had a special pavilion in the book fair. USA was honoured country at the fair and its stall had cut out of Obama, outside its pavilion, which attracted many !

In this fair this time it had 512 book stalls and Pavilions, 11 international complex like Germany, Cuba, Sweden, US etc., participation from 5 universities, 17 newspapers and periodicals, 30 Governemnt bodies and 39 Banks and Insurance companies. This literary festival invited a bouquet of writers, authors, story-tellers, musicians, academics, government officials, and above all people from across the state and Kolkata, the city of book lovers !

(In picture - Theme logo of the book fair as available Kolkata book fair's web site, photograph of USA pavillion and books at the Scotland stall)

Cat's eye

'Like a graceful vase, a cat - even when motionless seems to flow'

Red Hot Chilli Tadka at Tolly club

Red Hot Chilli Pipers a Bagpiper band from Scotland performed to capacity crowds at Tollygunj Club, Kolkata. These eight ambassadors of Scotland, were at their best and lighted the club’s maiden to an equally enthusiastic crowd. This musical bonanza was organized by British Council in conjunction with Tolly Club. Red Hot Chilli Pipers sound - a fusion of traditional pipe tunes and contemporary anthems - 'Bagrock' includes the likes of 'Clocks' by Coldplay, Queen's 'We Will Rock You' and a rock medley of Deep Purple's 'Smoke On The Water' and AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck'. 'Flower of Scotland' and 'The Hills of Argyll' with Chilli style !

Stuart Cassells, Chilli's founding member and musical director was at the mike with his piper. Joining Stuart were Grade 1 piper Kevin MacDonald and Willie Armstrong. Twice world champion snare drummer Steven Graham and Malcolm McEwan make up the band's percussion section with back up from rock 'n' roll drummer Steven Black. Completing the line up are the youngest Chilli and new kid on the block Chris Russell was on keyboards and (G- Man) Gregor James was on guitar.

Is it katatel ?

Katatel is an adulterated fuel for autorickshaws. It comprises of petrol, kerosene and naptha. Inspite of high court injunction and State Government ban it is still being sold across the city and auto's use the same as a fuel which is contributing significantly to city's pollution levels.

At a shop in North Kolkata

Iron and meat mincer on sale at a shop in North Kolkata

Kolkata taxis to offer discounts to senior citizens

Following tradition of City of Cambridge and Town of EastChester, Kolkata may be the first city in India to offer discount to senior citizens. Unlike the other two here the discount is flat 10%. The same was decided by Bengal Taxi Association (BTA), Calcutta Taxi Association(CTA) and West Bengal Drivers' Welfare Association(WDWA) that senior citizens alone or accompanying a child will be eligible for the discount. It will be effective from Feb 10, 2009. Senior citizens will need to carry proof of their age with them while they board the taxi. 'This gesture of the taxi association is praiseworthy' said a senior citizen at Kasba. But when the blog member spoke to few taxi drivers in city, they were under impression that they have to waive of Rs 2.00, (not the falt discount of 10 %) which is levied extra after doubling the meter reading. So this scheme may have few hicupps in its implementation, but no doubt an initiative worth to be lauded.

Polio Sunday

Kids getting two drops of polio vaccine at a booth in New Alipore in Kolkata

Packed, ready to go !

Potatoes packed in gunny bags in field's of district Burdawan, West Bengal . Burdawan along Hooghly, Howrah, Bankura and Birbhum are leading contributors to the State's potato production.

Not an easy place to be in !

Man on a trolley (supposedly for repairing ?) on a electric rope in between two electric poles at a height of more than 100 fts, in Bankura district of West Bengal. Am hopeful they may have taken all the needed precautions but not an easy place to be in !

Mustard Plant, Bankura

As per wikipedia Mustard plants belong to the genera Brassica or Sinapis. They have tiny seeds. These seeds can be used as a condiment. When they are first ground, and then mixed with water, vinegar and other ingredients, a condiment called mustard can be made. The seeds can also be pressed, to give a kind of oil called mustard oil. Some kinds of mustard plants have edible leaves. These leaves are known as mustard greens.

Birds at Science City

Flora and fauna of Science City

Science city, Kolkata now a days has a great collection of flowers, so one not only gets to learn about science but enjoy the beautiful flora within the city and off course the winged wonders which it harbours. In addition to the natural ones in surroundings it has a beautiful butterfly collection within its dome. Though the water body within it is full of hyacinth and pollutants which is cause of concern, and needs to be addressed especially in city which promotes science !

Is it button bush ?

Button bush in park near Dhaukria (am not sure on the name, if you can identify please let me know)

Vedic Village

Vedic Village is a Spa-Resort outside Kolkata which has rooms and cottages to offer in an ethnic environment. The property has beautiful foliage, walkways, jogging tracks which been blended into the natural surroundings. While retaining an earthy and ethnic expression, th property has all amenities and comfort. It has a spa which offers a range of Ayurveda, Naturopathy and feel-good therapies. The resort is located in the Rajarhat area of Kolkata, which is about 20 minute drive from Kolkata International Airport and 40 minutes from the centre of the city, but with Kolkata traffic you cannot guess exact time ! The road from centre of town is single lane and not so great. The resort is no doubt a good weekend property or for conferences but for ones who can afford the luxury. In picture - entrance of Vedic Village and flowers at the villa.

Parakeet at Subash Park, Purulia

Enjoying his food !

Drawings of birds on Ayodhaya Hills, Purulia

Drawings of birds (pakhi) on Ayodhya Hills, Purulia. These are part of 'Paki Pahar' project. As per sify.com reports based on an interview with Chitta Dey on the prjoect wherein he along with 30 local artists are drawing a huge bird which is 120 ft wide surrounded by other birds 55 ft wide on the hills. 'Pakhi' in Bangla means a bird. Based on the interview 'theme of the project is to present an amalgam of unity and harmony and subject is humane hence the object chosen to depict the idea is a bird. The drawing has been done with white oil paint. It covers almost 65 per cent of the hill. One can see these from a distance. Ayodhya Hills in Purulia, West Bengal are an extension of the Dolma Hills of Jharkhand. The place is picturesque getaway with hills, river and clear skies and fresh air. It is an ideal destination for rock-climbing and trekking. Ayodhya hills had vast forest, part of which is receding and is cause of concern.

Birds at Santragachi Lake

Lesser Whistling Duck and Cormorant at Santragachi Lake. The lake is at about 10 kms from Kolkata, though it takes longer then half an hour depending upon traffic in Kolkata. As per information available on web sites lake extends over 32 acres and hosts thousands of migratory birds but when I visited the same few days back, it had lot of water hyacinth, and plus other pollutants, thereby decreasing area for nestling of birds, and the water pollution will impact the flora and fauna of the lake, an area of concern for all of us.

Spreading happiness !

Happiness held is the seed; happiness shared is the flower

Shram Shakti

A replica representing power of manual labour at Rail Museum, Kolkata. Manual labour has contributed immensely to the expansion of railways in India...

Rail coach at Rail Museum, Kolkata

Narrow Gauge Steam Locomotive - 798 B at Rail Museum, Howarh, Kolkata. This B class locomotive was built in 1889 by Atlas works of Sharp Stwart & Co Ltd for Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. More such class of locomotives are still working in 2' gauge of picturesque Siliguri - Darjeeling station.

Butterly at a park near kolkata

Nalban birds..

The red flower

Squirrel on a tree

Squirrel on a tree at science city, kolkata

More butterfly pix !

here is one more butterfly pics taken in kolkata

Kolkata Butterfly

more from the collection of butterflies photographs

Lotus in a pond

As a lotus flower is born in water, grows in water and rises out of water to stand above it unsoiled...

Glimpses from Elliot Park, Kolkata

Greetings !

More winged wonders

Butterfly photograph taken in Purulia district of West Bengal

Hello !

At science city, kolkata

The sunset

The sunset, picture has been taken on a highway passing through Bankura district of West Bengal

Puchka's of Kolkata !

Kolkata is the place for street food ! Puchka's and Jhaal Muri, you will find them probably at all major joints in the city. Though good one's are at Russell Street, Hindustan Park, outside South City Mall to name a few..In picture is Puchka wala outside South City mall. Puchka or Pani Puri of Mumbai or Gol Gappa of Delhi are the real treat, if one wants to add a tingy taste in the mouth. Any name you call them, you will love these rounded stuff made up of flour but served with masala, chana, potato or +++ and off course with spicy pudina water served by dipping fingers of the one who is serving them in the earthen pot (or a vessel).........One love's them on street though places like Haldiram at Ballygunj has a good stuff but street ones along with friends are just great !

Jagadhatri Puja, Kolkata

Jagadhatri Puja, by Anand Sangha, off S C Bose Road, Kolkata. The festival season comes to an end with the celebration of Jagadhatri puja in the city.

Kolkata butterfly

Butterfly photo taken outside at Nalban lake complex, Kolkata

Science City - Sketch of Rabrindranath Tagore

Sketch of Rabindranath at the Science City, Kolkata

Set amidst trees and lawns, this sketch of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore is at the entrance of Science City - the largest science centre in the sub-continent situated in Kolkata.

Diwali Fireworks - Maddox Square

This is picture of fireworks on Diwali day in Maddox Square,South Kolkata which were enjoyed by hundreds who had gathered at the park to witness the same. The show was sponsored by owners of Kundu Pharmacy. A lovely creation of various forms like water falls, diyas, parachute etc. using fire-crackers which were within acceptable decible level limit !

Kali Puja

Idol at pandal off S.C Bose Road, Kolkata

Kali Puja is celebrated in Kolkata with lot of enthusiasm and number of community pujas are organised by clubs around the city. The pictures on this blog are from various Puja's organised this year. They are loaded as we get them !! Ma Kali, the Goddess of destruction, has enjoyed a significant presence in the Hindu culture and she is prayed as the epitome of ‘shakti’ or cosmic power. A fearless goddess, her idol has four arms, with a severed head on one hand, sword on the other, a garland of skulls around her neck and one foot on her husband’s chest. The other two hands bless the worshipper saying 'fear not'. She is protector of all evils and the source of all eternal energies. Ma Kali is the Goddess who is said to take away darkness, impurities, and purifies her devotees with the sincerity of her blessings.

flowers, flowers... and flowers

It is Diwali and Kali Puja time, and flowers form an important part of this festivity and prayers. Demand for the flowers rise during this time and so do the price. But still one can find them in plenty in the markets since early morning. Picture is from Garihat, an important crossing of Kolkata of flowers up for sale....

Kali Pujo, Kolkata

Kali idol in Pandal at Lake View Gardens, Kolkata

Kali Idol at Kali Pujo Pandal, Kolkata

Kali idol at Garihat market, Kolkata

Diwali diya's !

Diya's at sale in Garihat road side market, a place to be in during festivals and - if you enjoy to bargain !!, this is place for you to be their ! By the way they are not bargaining much on diya's, may be rightly so...

Kali Puja, Kolkata

It is Kali Puja time. Pandals are getting ready in Kolkata and West Bengal for Kali Puja, an another important occasion, which is marked two weeks after the celebration of Laxmi puja. It is on October 28 this year. Kali Puja is performed in the honour of Kali, the Goddess of destruction. It normally coincides with Diwali. (In picture - Idol of Kali in pujo pandal at Paddar Pukur Road, Kolkata).