Kolkata kickstarted its year-end festivities with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurating the 15th edition of the Kolkata Christmas Festival at Allen Park on Thursday.
Addressing the inaugural programme, Banerjee said, “Today marks the beginning of the 15th Christmas Festival at Allen Park. The festival will continue until December 30. However, the decorations and stalls will remain in place till January 5. We respect all religions and mark the festivals of every community as our own. The people of Bengal love fairs and festivities. May this Christmas and New Year bring joy for everyone.”
Sharing her childhood memories, Banerjee said, “I have been participating in midnight prayers since childhood and am well-acquainted with the traditions. We believe in keeping people happy. Given the stressful lives, people need an opportunity to relax.”
Speaking about the vehicular restrictions, she said, “Vehicles will not be allowed in Park Street on December 24 and 25 so that people can walk freely and soak in the festive spirit.”
According to KMC officials, six major locations in the city — Park Street, Park Street Flyover, Bow Barracks, Allen Park, Harish Mukherjee Road, and Harish Chatterjee Road have been decorated with different kinds of LED lights at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore. Sources said it is not just for festivities but also to boost tourist attraction.
The State Tourism Department is bearing the cost of the lighting at Park Street and Bow Barracks, while the KMC is bearing the expenses for the remaining locations, sources said
Major spots for Christmas festivities
Park Street is the epicentre of Christmas festivities in Kolkata. The stretch from Chowringhee to Mullick Bazar dazzles with LED lights and other decorations featuring Christmas trees and festive motifs. Allen Park in Park Street hosts live choir performances and musical acts by local bands throughout the week leading up to Christmas.The sidewalks are lined with stalls offering a variety of festive treats, including fruitcakes, savory snacks, and local delicacies.
Bow Barracks offers a more traditional and intimate glimpse. It boasts the city’s Anglo-Indian heritage, with a community-driven celebration that feels like a family gathering. The narrow lanes between the red-bricked buildings host open-air dances and musical events that welcome visitors.
New Market is the primary destination for Christmas shopping and indulging in the city’s most legendary baked treats. The lanes are packed with vendors selling everything from tinsel and baubles to Santa suits and miniature nativity sets.
VIP Road is famous for its grand Christmas Carnival. The entire service road from Lake Town to Golaghata features a canopy of LED lights, themed gates, and festive motifs.