12 Kolkata: Ahead of Christmas, the aroma of freshly-baked cakes waft through the air around the EN Block of SS Hogg Market opposite Kolkata Municipal Corporation's headquarters.
This time of the year, this segment of the iconic New Market shifts gears to become the city's ultimate destination for cakes and everything Christmas.
Even as this area is known for its year-round business of accessories, cosmetics, grocery items, and crockery stalls, come Christmas and cakes rule the roost here. "Two weeks before Christmas, the shopkeepers in New Market set aside everything and start selling cakes and other baked goodies," said Sarah Gomes, a resident of Picnic Garden. Bakeries and confectioneries with a rich legacy offer treats that satisfy the heart as much as they do the tastebuds. No wonder, from dawn till late evening, long queues snake outside these legacy bakeries like Nahoum's and Imperial. Nahoum's, the heritage Jewish bakery, sees queues of 50-75 people at any time during the run-up to Christmas.Cake counters dominate the December business in New Market with their shelves brimming with rich fruitcakes, plum cakes, and cookies in fancy packaging.
Sheikh Aman Rahman, owner of Imperial Bakery, highlights that New Market's transformation into a cake hub has its roots in the colonial legacy. "Kolkata is a pot of cultures, and Christmas cakes have now become a traditional practice irrespective of your religion and economic status." Imperial sells a staggering 100,000 pounds of cakes during the Christmas season, with 30,000 pounds flying off the shelves on Christmas' Eve alone.
Whether one is a local, a tourist, or an NRI visiting home, New Market's festive transformation is a feast for the senses and a celebration of the city's enduring inclusivity. "While Christmas is a Christian festival, the city's celebrations transcend religious boundaries," said Anjan Ghosh, a graphic designer by profession. For many, visiting New Market during Christmas is as much about the experience as it is about the cakes.
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