Bow Barracks all lit up for a test run before Wednesday’s inauguration of the Kolkata Christmas Festival. The area has been included in the illumination plan for the grand carnival this year. The lights will go on at Park Street, Cathedral Road and Bow Barracks simultaneously on December 21, when chief minister Mamata Banerjee formally inaugurates the Christmas Festival
All pictures by Ashim PaulLast Christmas was special for Bow Barracks as the entire area was renovated and the buildings painted. The renovation was the result of the persistent efforts of the Bow Barracks Residents Welfare Association (BBRWA) and the support of chief minister Mamata Banerjee and mayor Firhad Hakim.
Built in 1918 for the European soldiers, the barracks became home to several displaced Anglo-Indian families because of the expansion of Central Avenue and connecting roads. Since then, it has been a hub of Kolkata’s Anglo-Indian community and is dressed up every year during Christmas. But the illumination is on a grand scale this year.
One of the gates leading to the 130-odd flats that comprise the barracks
Glenda Ridghcooke (R) has set up a stall of momos, Christmas cakes and homemade wines. Sudeshna Paul (L), a New Town-based techie, was seen buying cakes. “After hearing about this place from multiple sources, I decided to pay a visit this year. This is absolutely beautiful,” she said.
The momo stall is already doing brisk business
The phuchka vendor gets an early customer, too
This giant butterfly will be hung up near the stage
The local councillor and officials from the tourism department inspect the area
Time for a selfie