Lingering chill makes Kol adjust to a different lifestyle
Times of India | 8 January 2026
Kolkata: A prolonged cold spell over the past few weeks has forced Kolkatans to alter their daily routines, reshaping lifestyles in a city more accustomed to humidity than chill.
From delayed morning walks and longer stops at cafes, from layered-clothes during commute to deferred outdoor plans, the sustained dip in temperature has nudged residents into adjustments that many said they could not recall making in the last 15 years. As temperatures hovered near seasonal lows, the impact became visible in these subtle adjustments across neighbourhoods, parks, streets, eateries, and offices.
Morning routines were among the first to change. At city parks, the familiar clusters of seniors and fitness enthusiasts thinned out during early hours, with many choosing to step out only after 7.30 am-8 am. "We wait until after 7.30 am before stepping out on most days," said Mohammad Akbar Shamsi, a member of a city-based running club. "The cold is biting but fog is a bigger concern. We run around Maidan and Victoria Memorial, and visibility was poor on several mornings. We don't want to take any risk so, we wait until the visibility increases."
Many seniors shortened their rounds, opting instead for relaxed conversations over cups of tea. Most were wrapped in sweaters and caps while taking a walk.
Several running clubs, yoga groups, and laughter clubs revised their timings. The New Town Laughing Club, which has several senior members, changed the timings. "We are meeting around 8 am. Many members excuse themselves due to the cold," said Vineet Thapa, a member.
Cafes and tea shops, too, have witnessed a steady early rush through the cold spell. Staff said customers linger longer than usual over warm drinks. A popular cafe on Park Street reported consistently high footfall. "People came in as soon as we opened at 10 am. On most days during this cold spell, there were hardly any vacant chair," the cafe manager said.
At Indian Coffee House on College Street, sales of hot beverages picked up noticeably. "The weather pushed up footfall over the past several days. Many waited for their turn to have hot coffee to beat the chill," said Tapan Kumar Pahari of the Indian Coffee Workers' Co-operative Society.
The extended cold spell also altered commuting habits. Many two-wheeler riders layered scarves under helmets, and donned gloves and jackets. In buses and autos, passengers pulled windows down to block the wind. "It was cold for days, and getting ready for office became a struggle. While commuting, I now wrap a scarf around my ears," said Lake Town resident Ahona Gupta.
Routines were tweaked inside homes as well. Many deferred morning and evening outdoor plans, choosing to stay indoors longer.
In the central business district, which is usually abuzz with activity till late, shops and offices shut down early. "Footfall was low due to the cold weather," said a trader selling laptops and mobiles in Chandni Market.
But the chill brought brisk business for sellers of winter essentials. At the electrical goods hubs of Ezra Street and Chandni, shopkeepers placed room heaters prominently at the front of their stores. "Most of the stock has been sold during this spell. We are not even offering discounts on branded heaters," said a shop owner on Ezra Street.
Vendors in New Market have displayed caps, gloves, and earmuffs prominently this time compared to previous winters while snack stalls reported higher sales of fried food and warm beverages.