Lights, carols and all things Christmas apart, Decembers on Park Street stand out for one more reason. The iconic revelry street is the focal point of Kolkata Pride Month, hosting the city’s Rainbow Pride Walk. Before the queer community and allies march on the streets on December 17, Park Street has been draped in gorgeous Pride flags to take a stand for inclusivity and love.
“Last year was the first time we installed Pride flags in prominent parts of the city. Kolkattans just got a glimpse. This time, we are taking things to another level,” said fashion designer Nil of Dev R Nil, who is a prominent member of Kolkata Pride.
Apart from the entrance, several restaurants and shops have also installed the flags outside, in order to show their support for the community. At the forefront is the legendary Trincas, known for creating the city’s most popular queer-friendly space with their Karaoke Thursdays, which was launched this June. “Trincas was the first Park Street establishment to put up the Pride Flag last December, and we have kept it flying throughout the year. Our Karaoke Thursdays have also become a landmark event, where we get guests from around the world. Our staff have also been given sensitivity training to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable,” said Anand Puri, the restaurant’s third-generation owner.
The influence of Kolkata Pride has extended beyond the party street too, roping in major establishments like Zoom Tea-O-Graphy at Ballygunge, and Broadway Hotel in Bowbazar. Shankhadeep Mitra and Rupam Mazumdar, co-owners of Zoom Tea-O-Graphy take genuine pleasure in their association with Kolkata Pride, which dates back to January 2020. The cafe has also been the official food partner of their events since the last two years. “We have always been a queer-friendly cafe, and ensure that it is a safe space where people can be themselves without any judgement,” they said.
The Pride theme being showcased outside Zoom Tea-O-Graphy and Tavern by Trincas
Ever since the flags went up, Nil has been swamped with emotional messages of people in disbelief. “Everyone passing by Park Street is sending me texts full of emotion, exclaiming about how much this means. Given the Supreme Court’s recent verdict on same-sex marriage, we have all been a bit apprehensive about where things are going. This is where we are going,” he beamed.
