In 1999, 15 friends walked together in the heart of Calcutta and began the first-ever Pride march in Asia. On December 17, 2023, Calcutta witnessed the 20th edition of the Kolkata Rainbow Pride Walk that took place from Lady Brabourne College to Park Street Maidan. What lasted for five hours, left a mark on the over 20,000 participants for a lifetime. t2 had the opportunity of witnessing the largest Pride march Calcutta has ever seen, while covering the 3.3km distance with the crowd. The walk was the ultimate event for the Kolkata Pride Month which was celebrated from December 1. Post the walk, several performances also took place at the Maidan where queer individuals portrayed their stories of love and pain through dance, music, skit and poetry.
The iconic flag that stretches over 50 metres never touched the ground and was carried by participants who found it to be an honour to be under the rainbow flag. We spotted several queer couples in tears as they basked in the hue of the seven colours under the flag
Notably, the world celebrates Pride month in June simply because it suits the Western weather to walk a parade in summer. However, India witnesses scorching heat during June. Consequently, Kolkata Pride was the first in India to shift the Pride parade from June to December as it is convenient and more people can participate without weather being a barrier. Kerala, Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi and several other Indian cities have followed closely in Calcutta’s footsteps while others are expected to join soon.
US consul general Melinda Pavek (centre) posed with her companions at the Pride walk
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies turned up in humongous numbers to witness history as Calcutta saw its largest-ever Pride march
Kolkata Pride sold badges, bands and flags at very nominal rates at the walk
Vibrant shades of Pride '23