Kolkata: Christmas Eve brought central Kolkata to a crawl as Park Street turned into the city's biggest open-air celebration zone. Park Street had to be closed for traffic at 8.25 pm as people spilled over to the streets.
Waves of revellers descended on the illuminated stretch, transforming the party hub into a packed celebration of lights, music, and merriment that lasted well into the night. Till late into the evening, cops barricaded both sides of the road to create two separate pedestrian channels, to keep the traffic moving, through the middle lane.
From 5 pm, groups of youngsters, families, and friends began streaming into Park Street, many travelling from distant neighbourhoods and adjoining districts. Wearing Santa caps, antler headbands, devil horns and flashing LED accessories, the crowd transformed the boulevard into a moving carnival. Pavements on both sides of the road were packed, leaving little room to walk, as revellers paused frequently to click selfies and group photographs against the backdrop of illuminated buildings and festooned trees.
Christmas-themed merchandise did brisk business on pavements, with vendors selling festive headgear and novelty glasses that quickly found their way onto eager heads. Laughter, carols, and bursts of music filled the air, creating an atmosphere that many described as "Park Street Christmas."
For Swastika Seth, who travelled from Chinar Park with friends, finding a small pocket of space was an achievement in itself. "Christmas at Park Street is more than a festival. It is an experience that reinvents itself every year," she said, gesturing towards the glowing lights overhead. "This year the decorations seem even more attractive. We plan to come back again tomorrow."
Hazra resident Adwitia Sukanya Bhattacharya echoed the sentiment. "People of different faiths come together here with equal excitement. Park Street takes on a new avatar every Christmas, and I make it a point to be a part of it every year," she said, recalling Kolkata's long colonial past that shaped its Christmas traditions.
Wearing a Santa cap, Janbazar resident Rubai Bhattacharya walked nearly 2 km to Park Street. "I come here almost daily for work, but this is the time of the year when the street looks completely different. The festive mood pulls you in," he said.
For first-timers like S K Aiman from North Dum Dum, the experience was mesmerising. "Lights, music, and food together create a magical spell. Christmas here feels like hope, kindness, and togetherness," he said.
The stretch from New Market to Park Street witnessed heavy traffic congestion, which spilled over to arterial roads including SN Banerjee Road and Esplanade East Road. Despite barricading narrow lanes to regulate pedestrian movement, many revellers spilled onto the carriageway, keeping police personnel on their toes. Authorities set up three checkpoints between Park Street and Mullickbazar, enforcing traffic rules with spot penalties. A strong security presence was visible, with senior officers, including DCs and additional CPs, monitoring arrangements. Around 3,000 police personnel remained deployed till late night.
Kolkata Police also fielded a dedicated team of 250 women police personnel, including members of the Winners unit, detective department, and south division, to respond swiftly to complaints related to harassment in key zones such as Park Street, Science City, and Alipore zoo. As the night wore on, Park Street remained packed, reaffirming its place as the beating heart of Kolkata's Christmas Eve celebrations —vibrant, chaotic, and unmistakably festive.