#cityofjoy, #parkstreetchristmas: Netizens celebrate Kol at festive best
Times of India | 1 January 2025
Kolkata: ‘Christmas and New Year in Kolkata' has been trending this week on social media, which has been flooded with Instagram reels, YouTube videos, vlogs and Facebook stories and shorts shot against the backdrop of streets lit up with festive lights and at landmarks, like Park Street and Bow Barracks. Influencers and tourists alike have been posting their shots for more ‘likes' and visibility on the virtual spectrum.
Social media analyst Anindya Chatterjee said Park Street, Bow Barracks and Kolkata had been trending on X and Instagram for the past week, with hashtags, such as #parkstreetkolkata, #cityofjoy, #parkstreetchristmas and #kolkatabuzz topping the charts.New Year SpecialUnbelievable! 2025's most powerful zodiac predictions are here50+ Happy New Year 2025 Wishes & Quotes to share joy and cheerNumerology 1-9: What the numbers hold for us next year
Park Street, Kolkata's ‘Christmas Capital', decked with dazzling fairy lights, larger-than-life Christmas trees and an array of festive decor, has been witnessing a record footfall. Iconic eateries, like Flurys, Mocambo and Peter Cat, have been buzzing with diners. Stalls selling cakes, chocolates and festive goodies line the streets, the air filled with holiday songs. "This year, the decorations are grander, and the energy is unmatched. It's heart-warming to see so many people enjoying themselves together. As an influencer, it's an opportunity as well as a privilege to soak in this fervour and promote the city in its best attire while creating content. It not only promotes our page but also lifts the festive mood. Our posts take the grandeur to a larger audience," said Pratyasha Sarkar, who has 106K followers on Instagram. She has shot multiple videos on Park Street and the flyover near it.
A few kilometres away, Bow Barracks, the quaint Anglo-Indian neighbourhood, has also become a focal point of celebrations online. Known for its old-world charm and unique traditions, the area comes alive during Christmas with community feasts, live music and gatherings. The iconic red-bricked buildings of Bow Barracks have been beautifully illuminated and visitors can enjoy the warm hospitality of the families, famous for their homemade wine, cakes and traditional dishes.
"It's not just about the decorations but also the the spirit of togetherness that makes Bow Barracks special during Christmas. It's a must-visit place for me during Christmas. This year, I found the celebrations grander by a notch. The social media algorithms also point to the fact that tagging videos and photos, with places like Park Street and Bow Barracks, offer more views. It's an added kick to shoot reels and videos there," said Madhurima Roy, a lifestyle, food, and fashion vlogger.
Influencers and vloggers have also been promoting Christmas and year-end celebrations at other hot festive spots, such as Patuli, Lake Town, Elgin Road and Kasba, boosting their popularity.
The city civic body has also played a pivotal role in decking up the city and Kolkata Police ensured smooth celebrations with enhanced security measures, crowd management and traffic control. Metro Railway has also extended services to accommodate the surge of visitors.