Calcutta now has a new nurturing space for workshops, corporate meetings, jamming sessions, theatre, concerts, seminars, niche classes, fitness training and friendly gatherings. Cocoon, in Rabindra Sarobar, has an aesthetic ambience with soft colours, cosy lighting and soothing decor. The 1,500sq ft studio space has been built from scratch by founder Shalini Patherya who is a fitness enthusiast with focus on yoga, and an environment-aware and artistic person. Currently, pilates, Kathak and aerial yoga classes take place at the studio. The place can be rented out for other activities too for 40-50 people. With access to a fully functional kitchen, Cocoon provides outsourced catering services for events too. Beverages like coffee and tea are made by in-house cooks.
As we walked up the wooden staircase, the folksy charm of the place with plants and feathers on top and the aesthetic signboard at the entrance immediately appealed to us. We later learned that the metallic caricature on the board was sourced from the owner’s house and she personally designed the whole board and surrounding decor.
The common area is decorated beautifully and is a calming place to chill after classes or meetings in the main hall. One can enjoy the sublime view of the city.
We experienced a calming aerial yoga class underway at Cocoon, which is one of the few places in Calcutta to offer these classes.
Sonia Subedi, studio manager at Cocoon, said: “This place is a version of Shalini. What I have noticed is that when people enter this place, they don’t want to leave. You don’t get such soundless and undisturbed places anymore in the city where you feel so warm.”
Founder of Cocoon, Shalini Patherya, said: “When I conceptualised Cocoon, the first thing I did was plant the greenery that embraces the place. Every piece of furniture here has either been sourced from my house or office or has been made from scratch by local artisans. The stools you see are from Nadia where talented locals build them with care. I firmly believe that one can only learn when they have a safe space and that is what Cocoon is.”
Where: Charulata, 7B, Deshpran Sashmal Road (next to Indian Overseas Bank), Rabindra Sarobar