Nurturing us with boundless love and tenderness during our formative years, they patiently impart us wisdom and knowledge. On this occasion of Senior Citizens’ Day, as the world pays homage to their invaluable contributions, My Kolkata has curated a collection of activities designed to bring an extra sparkle to the lives of our elders.
Start the day with nature
Rabindra Sarobar in south Kolkata Shutterstock
Commence your day immersed in the embrace of nature’s tranquillity — the soothing balm it offers to the soul and the heart are unparalleled. Our suggestion? Capture the ethereal beauty of a sunrise at the park closest to your heart. In south Kolkata, the meticulously tended Rabindra Sarobar stands as a serene haven, while north Kolkata boasts its counterpart, the picturesque Subhas Sarobar. If you live around Salt Lake, join the group of seniors dressed in white, flocking to Central Park for a laugh. You read that right, the iconic park near Karunamoyee Bus Terminus has been home to a daily laughter club for decades, with hundreds of people bidding goodbye to stress every morning with humour!
Rendezvous with divinity
Viveka Tirtha – the new chapter of Ramakrishna Mission in Rajarhat @rkmbelur
Amidst tranquil moments of prayer, reflection, and admiration for the lush greens of New Town under the late monsoon sky, a compelling invitation awaits at Viveka Tirtha – the newfound chapter of Ramakrishna Mission in Rajarhat. Nestled close to Eco Park, a journey to the Ramakrishna Mission can seamlessly transform into a full day of delights, allowing you to bask in the institution’s tranquillity before venturing to Eco Park for a dose of nature’s beauty.
Viveka Tirtha beckons with its serene ambiance, the allure of verdant landscapes, and the breathtaking pre-Durga Puja sky, giving you several reasons to explore. Operating from Monday to Saturday, the Ramakrishna Mission welcomes visitors from 9am to noon and from 4pm to 6pm.
A happy nook for bibliophiles
Seagull Bookstore holds a special place in the hearts of book lovers of the city seagullbooks/Instagram
Once a bibliophile, always a bibliophile. While Kolkata boasts of quite a few hotspots for readers, like College Street, Gariahat, Oxford Bookstore and now Bahrisons Booksellers, Seagull Bookstore holds a special place in the hearts of book lovers of the city. If you are an art aficionado, the coffee mugs with illustrations by eminent Indian artist K. G. Subramanyan that are now available in the bookshop can be fascinating additions to your collection. The bookstore is open from Monday to Saturday, 10.30am to 7pm, and is located on 36C, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Road.
A tryst with history
Spend time at Ekante Independence Kitchen and a coffee house inside the premises of Alipore Independence Museum Anujit Mitter
The Alipore Independence Museum is a window into India’s Independence and Kolkata’s contribution to it. The heritage structure of Alipore Correctional Home is now home to murals, artefacts, statues and historical anecdotes. There is also an Ekante Independence Kitchen and a coffee house inside the premises for refreshments and to stretch your legs. The museum is open from 12pm to 6 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Old world charm
Tram World Cafe Amit Datta
Indulge in a delightful wave of nostalgia as you savour the comforting aroma of a freshly brewed cup of your favourite beverage, accompanied by a delectable serving of piping hot goodness, all within the enchanting ambiance of Tram World Cafe. Located at the Gariahat Tram Depot, the tram cafe has a unique feature apart from the setup — books. Each table has a book lying on it, ready for you to flip through the pages. Transporting you to a bygone era, the tram itself stands as a testament to history, adorned with equipment dating as far back as 1925. The cafe is open on all days from 6am to 10pm.
Cruise along the Ganges
The city has a love affair with the Ganga that is as old as time itself. Embark on a journey that explores this romance, by undertaking a cruise on the Ganges with M. V. Millennium, a part of the Vivada Cruises. The cruiser, which embarks every day from Millennium Park, offers a unique peek into the city’s 54 ghats, and their rich heritage. Besides the culture, you can also enjoy a hearty meal on the sea!
You can find all the details and book your slot here.
Catch the latest blockbuster:
Films one can watch in leisure IMDB
The past month has been a hoot for the box office, with a variety of films competing for your attention. There’s something for everyone, from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani for those who seek a quintessential Bolly family drama, to OMG 2 for people who like films with a social message. If you like good-ol’ action, opt for Gadar 2, but Ghoomer would be a better pick if you’re a sports fanatic. You can also check out Dev’s debut as our favourite sleuth in Byomkesh O Durgo Rohosyo. Or, you can always rewatch Oppenheimer!