Christmas in the City of Joy - aka Bodo Din in Kolkata...Wheelchair Accessibility and more ♿️

Christmas and New Years Day are special in Kolkata, India and I have many beautiful memories from this time of the year. It is a special time of the year and as opposed to US where everything is closed on Christmas Day, Kolkata actually reaches the crescendo of celebration and festivities on December 25th.

Whenever we plan to visit Kolkata during the Christmas time , I notice a twinkle in my parents eyes. Clearly, they have many more beautiful memories than what I have of the Bodo Din in Kolkata. Christmas Day is also known as Bodo Din( big day in Bengali) as it marks the start of the longer days after the Winter Solstice. The weather of Kolkata during this time is just perfect. Very pleasant winter days and evenings creates the perfect ambience for a festive atmosphere. Live music in the restaurants, late night shopping and an amazing variety of street food adds to this electric atmosphere. The famous Park Street is decked up in lights to give a feeling of open air Christmas party. The famous restaurants on Park Street of the 60’s and 70’s like the Trincas and Moulin Rogue are still trying to hold on to their ground. And at the same time the new ones are trying to make a name for themselves.

Kolkata is also home to a very large Anglo-Indian population. They constitute the majority of the christians in the city. There are many churches around the park street area. The midnight masses, the choirs and carols adds to the festivity. Unlike the US, all the shops and stores are open on the Christmas Day and it appears that everyone, irrespective of their religion are out in the street celebrating the Christmas on December 25th.

Food is almost a second religion in this city. And during this time , the cake and the confectionaries shops work very hard to showcase their talent. Breakfast at Flury’s, fruitcakes from the Jewish Nahoum Bakery is almost a must have. Be it Cakes or Kebabs, food during this time is always special.

If you are visiting India during this time, make sure to add a visit to Kolkata in your itinerary. It will surely be an enriching and unforgettable experience.

For more details visit https://kolkatachristmasfestival.in

♿️ Wheelchair Accessibility

Kolkata being the old city that it is, has more than a fair share of accessibility challenges. It is just not equipped for people in a wheelchair or on crutches. One needs to plan meticulously and have lot of help when visiting some of the above mentioned places. It is indeed sad that a city with so much of history and culture, can be enjoyed mostly by the abled.

Park Street sidewalks are not wheelchair or Crutch friendly. However, since the roads are strictly for pedestrian on December 25th, one can safely use the roads
The Cops are very friendly and eager to help. They will control the crowd to provide you safe passage.
All the shops and restaurants on Park Street have a step or two at the entrance.

To avoid the crowd and the accessible challenges, it may be a good idea to stay at Park Hotel, which is located right in the middle.
To reach Park Street, it is best to take a Cab/Uber and get off in one of the side streets like the Camac Street, Mirza Ghalib Street or the Little Russell Street
Public restrooms are available at 99 Russell Street and 1 Kyd Street ( near Indian Museum)