The city of joy was drenched in the vibrant hues of Christmas as Kolkata celebrated the festival with fervor and enthusiasm yesterday. The festive spirit was palpable as the city streets glimmered with colorful lights and echoed with carols and laughter.
The iconic Park Street turned into a dazzling display of decorations, with shops and buildings adorned with twinkling lights, wreaths, and tinsel. Families and friends strolled down the beautifully lit streets, enjoying the festive ambiance and taking photographs against the backdrop of the city’s Christmas charm.
Several churches in the city held midnight mass, where devout Christians gathered to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. St. Paul’s Cathedral witnessed a massive turnout of worshippers who joined in prayers and hymns, filling the air with a sense of spirituality and unity.
Apart from religious observances, various cultural events and performances were organized across the city. Park Street was alive with live music performances, street dances, and food stalls offering an array of delectable Christmas treats, from traditional plum cakes to steaming cups of hot cocoa.
Kolkata Metro witnessed an unprecedented surge in Christmas commuters, with a record-breaking 70,000 individuals navigating its bustling corridors on December 25, 2023. The festive fervor, coupled with reduced train intervals and extended service hours, contributed to the remarkable increase in ridership. The metro, typically operating at eight-minute intervals even on holidays, played a crucial role in facilitating the seamless movement of revelers across the city. This surge, reminiscent of the bustling Durga Puja rush, underscored Kolkata’s unwavering enthusiasm for communal celebrations, creating a unique intersection of cultural festivities and efficient urban transit during the joyous Christmas season.
The convergence of factors, including special events like primary school examinations and cultural programs such as the ‘Laksh Kante Gita Path,’ added to the surge in metro ridership on Christmas. The diverse reasons for travel underscored Kolkata’s multifaceted celebrations, where traditions, festivities, and community gatherings intersected, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultural heritage and modern urban life. Despite the crowded platforms and trains, the metro remained a pivotal mode of transport, seamlessly connecting neighborhoods and allowing people to traverse the city’s exuberant Christmas landscape with ease and convenience.
Furthermore, numerous charitable organizations and community groups came together to spread the joy of the season by organizing gift drives and meals for the underprivileged, reflecting the true essence of Christmas—sharing and caring for others.
As the day drew to a close, the festive fervor continued well into the night, with many families and friends gathering for sumptuous dinners and exchanging gifts, reinforcing the bonds of love and togetherness that define the essence of Christmas.
Overall, Kolkata witnessed a heartwarming celebration, where people from all walks of life came together to rejoice, spread cheer, and embrace the spirit of giving, making this Christmas a memorable and joyous occasion for everyone in the city.
