Tis the season to be merry, and for more reasons than one can count. Winter has people planning parties, picnics, outings…. Every weekend is booked but the heart still yearns for more.

Here’s what The Telegraph Salt Lake learnt from speaking to residents about why this is the most sought-after season in the calender.

Food and feast

Winter is incomplete without biye baris. Guests and even hosts prefer to organise weddings during this season.

“The weather is pleasant, people can dress up heavily, and they can eat without feeling uncomfortable later,” says Anindita Saha, a CE Block resident who is busy planning her daughter’s wedding reception this week. Her daughter, Aratrika, had a registry marriage in the US during the summer, but they waited until December for the Indian celebrations so the American groom and his family could enjoy the weather here.

Residents play badminton under lights in CK Park

In addition to winter favourites like Koraishutir Kochuri and Notun Gurer Sondesh on the menu, the family is hosting multiple functions with live music on their terrace, something unthinkable in the summer heat. “I’ve planted 60 to 70 chrysanthemums, petunias, and marigolds, and since the weather is pleasant, we have the energy to handle much of the decoration and lighting ourselves,” Anindita shares.

Bidisha Basu, who runs a homestay in BE Block, says her rooms are booked months in advance. “October to January is peak season,” she explains, talking of her guests.

“NRIs arrive in droves, including those planning weddings. We also get many foreign students conducting research locally. They stay throughout the winter,” Bidisha says.

Sweet somethings

Another seasonal highlight is nolen gur. “Gurer mishti is the king of sweets,” says Prasenjit Sil of CA Market’s Kalpataru sweet shop. “Even those who avoid sweets the rest of the year give in to our Norom Paker Jol Bhora Sandesh or Nolen Gurer Rasmalai. We offer these from December to February, but customers start asking about them much earlier.”

Visitors from out of town fuel demand too. “They come to the shop daily, popping four or five sweets at a time, and before flying out carry packed jaggery sweets,” Sil says. Their pithes are also popular as residents are reluctant to prepare these time-consuming winter desserts at home.

Christmas cakes are another must-have. “Our peak season runs from early winter until January 15,” says Satyendra Kumar Mishra, managing director of Cakes. “Sales increase by 30 to 40 per cent compared to the rest of the year. Trends were unpredictable during the pandemic, but we are optimistic this year.”

He adds that the holidays and festivities encourage people to eat more. “We’re offering 50 special items, mostly featuring dry fruits in both desserts and savouries. In Salt Lake, there is equal demand for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian treats, unlike north Calcutta, which leans towards vegetarian, and south, which prefers non-vegetarian.”

People are also ready to experiment with main course dishes associated with the season. “Our city has a healthy colonial hangover and is open to new food,” says Bhaskar Deb, who is laying out a Thanksgiving-inspired turkey festival at Caravan Cafe, next to City Centre. “People find it difficult to wake up early morning during winter so we expect heavier rush in the afternoons and evenings. On weekends and special days we shall stay open till 2am,” Bhaskar says.

Out in the sunshine

Eco Park, Central Park, and Nicco Park are bustling with visitors enjoying the winter sunshine. “Footfall started rising from early November. The opening of Solar Dome has boosted visitor volume,” said an official.

For avid gardeners, winter is synonymous with seasonal flowers.

“I’m hoping for a decent cold spell so the flowers thrive,” says Mithu Paul of CG Block. “Last year, I submitted multiple Marigold pots to the Bidhannagar Horticultural Society flower show but rain ruined the blooms,” she laments. “The pleasant weather also enables me to spend more time toiling on the terrace.”

Winter is also peak season for sports enthusiasts, especially cricket and badminton players. “These days I can’t wait to play badminton with friends at CB Park,” says Duhita Paul, a BL Block resident. “We set up our own net and play all evening. I’m also hoping to join some tournaments.”

Birdwatchers eagerly await this time of year as migratory birds flock to Central Park and the Rajarhat wetlands. “Winter is peak birding season,” says Abir Chatterjee of FD Block. “Large flocks of lesser whistling ducks take over the pond near the Central Park pagoda. We also spot brown shrikes from northern Asia and Siberian Ruby Throats.

A prime target for us photographers is the red avadavat, which has been visible in Rajarhat.” Unfortunately, Chatterjee is missing the season this year due to workrelated travel, and also laments the absence of nolen gurer sandesh, fairs, and the upcoming Book Fair in January at his site in the US.

Fairs galore

For many, the highlight of winter is the abundance of fairs. “I wait for fairs that bring artisans from other states, like Saras Mela” says Sohini Datta, whose Rail Vihar home features gond art from Madhya Pradesh, picked up at one such fair before. “It’s not just about buying. Visitors can talk to the artisans about their craft, which is an enriching experience.” Sohini loves that major fairs are now held in New Town.

Gur delicacies on sale at Kalpataru in CA Market

“The food courts are another attraction, with seasonal treats like pithes and gur er mishti. At home, we’re busy planning community sports, picnics, and Christmas parties with neighbours,” she says. From general fairs like Bidhannagar Mela and Hasto Shipa Mela to niche events, there’s something for everyone this season (see box). Like movies? You must have caught the screenings at Nazrul Tirtha and Rabindra Okakura Bhavan as part of the Kolkata International Film Festival this week. Like art? There’s Art Haat on at Arts Acre. Budding entrepreneur? There’s the Vyapaar Expo. There are also multiple dog shows, flower shows, book fairs….

“There’s a huge rush in winter and for our December event we had to seal dates w i t h o u r venue partner City Centre way back in April,” says Gitali Lahiri, a BB Block resident who is vice president of the Association for Conservation and Tourism, that organised the Himalayan Orange Tourism Festival last weekend.

They had 650 people coming to town, from Himalayan states and countries, for whom she had to make staying arrangements at the stadium’s youth hostel, BB Block community hall, Gorkha and Arunachal Bhavan.

Pithes served with jaggery

Stay safe

If there’s one downside to the winter, its poor air quality. The Sector V monitoring station has been steadily reporting “very poor” air quality, which has been causing people breathing discomfort and irritation in the eyes and throat, besides more severe long-term effects.

“Winter conditions, especially the lower temperature, help in multiplication of common virus and bacteria. Also, the moisture in the atmosphere makes the air heavy and so bacteria and virus stay lower to the ground and pollutants are not easily dispersed,” says Dr M.S. Purkait, medical superintendent at Techno India DAMA Hospital. He has been getting patients with headaches, body aches, blocked noses, coughs, and fever around 101°F.

“I’m advising flu vaccinations for the elderly, health workers, children, travellers, and pregnant women,” he says. At Disha Eye Hospital in New Town, ophthalmologist Dr Ananya Ganguly warns of eye issues caused by the cold and dust.

“Pink, watery eyes are common, often leading to conjunctivitis and styes (a painful, red, swollen bump on the edge of the eyelid). “Boost immunity with nutrient-rich foods like broccoli, guava, and carrots, and drink six to eight glasses of water daily,” she says.