Alexa, play Kolkata by Anupam Roy.
A perfect number to set the mood for this list of nostalgia-inducing goodies celebrating one common theme — Kolkata.
This city has a number of iconic motifs — holud taxi, Howrah bridge, bhnarer cha —that lend themselves perfectly to quirky knick-knacks and souvenirs that speak of home. If you have a weakness for these collectibles, My Kolkata’s list of Kolkata-inspired merch will remind you of all the things that make our city special.
Say it with a T-shirt
Want a cool and casual graphic tee to tell stories for you? Look no further. The Charbax Store has a number of unique t-shirts with clever Madhuban-inspired designs bring out the stories of each district in West Bengal, with tea gardens and toy trains for Darjeeling to terracotta and Tagore for Birbhum.
The Kolkata tee has all the quintessential Kolkata symbols including Victoria Memorial, trams, and the servers at Indian Coffee Houses.
Shop their t-shirts here.
Wrap your nostalgia in a hoodie
Bhnarer cha is an emotion in Kolkata. No matter the season, there’s always a reason to savour milk tea served in an earthen pot at a roadside tea shop in the city. Rock Buzz’s hoodie is an ode to the tea and the ones who make the tea, with a unique print that puts “Madan Da’s Cha” in the theme of the classic Jack Daniels graphic.
The hoodie highlights Kolkata’s famous ginger masala tea. What could be better than wearing your love (and that mild chai-addiction every other Bengali has) as a hoodie?
Buy the hoodie here.
Flaunt your love with a statement piece
The magnificent Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu) is a great motif to play around with and that is exactly what Piku Jewellery has used to create this jewellery set. Made from metal, this necklace and earring set not only shows great craftsmanship but also highlights the simplicity of design taking inspiration from Howrah Bridge.
The small, black, boat-like embellishments invoke the image of boats floating on the Ganga throughout the day. The show stopping piece is made to order so message them on Instagram to buy.
Carry your city in your pocket
A special phone cover is the perfect (and cheeky) way to adorn and protect your phone as well as make a statement about your personality. Bong Swag has an array of phone covers that speak to all things Bangali and Kolkata, from song lyrics and city motifs to identifiable colloquial Bengali idioms.
Courtesy Bong Swag
You can shop the covers available in a variety of colours and for a number of phones here.
Bag up that fondness for Kolkata’s quirks
Much like all accessories, a bag can also be an extension of your style and an expression of your personality. While having the capacity to hold your entire world in it, these bags designed by Riddhi Pankaj combine old-world charm with contemporary designs. Featuring the yellow taxi motif against a variety of backdrops and fabrics, this bag is quirky and fun.
riddhipankaj/Instagram
You can place an order for these bags by messaging them on their Instagram page.
Layer on the Kolkatan charm with a jacket
Looking for a way to add some quirk to your cosy outfit? Go for this cotton jacket in colours of ivory and yellow, with a fun embroidered pattern of yellow taxis and little touches like the sleeve hem, which makes the sunshine- hues pattern pop. Layer it over a tank top and you’re ready for an early winter or pre-spring brunch.
Message them on Instagram to place your order.
Enjoy Durga Puja year round with these totes
The Bengali clan, especially the Kolkatan one, starts counting down the days to next year’s festivities the minute Durga Puja is over. While we all wait for our most treasured festival of food, family and fun to return, why not indulge in these cute graphic mini totes?
Digital artist Roshni Bhattacharya uses her artwork to make adorable cartoons and prints them on totes. The colours are bright and they feature a strong sense of merriment that will keep you going through the year.
Place an order by contacting her on Instagram.