Kolkata, a city where history meets modernity, became my second home during my five years of studying law. Between 2011 and 2013, I took the time to explore its every nuance at a leisurely pace, allowing its essence to seep into my soul.
This post is a reflection of those unforgettable journeys—a collection of moments that capture the spirit of Kolkata. Here, in a few words, I sum up the magic of those formative years.
Still as fresh as rain…
Kolkata: Where It All Started
2011-2012
Captured with Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10
I spent five transformative years of my life (2008-13) studying law in Kolkata, a city that became my muse and my playground. It was here that my love affair with photography began—humble and unassuming—with a modest point-and-shoot camera as my trusty companion. While my friends flaunted their shiny DSLRs, I learned to see the world differently, believing in the magic of moments rather than megapixels. The narrow alleyways, bustling markets, and timeless charm of Kolkata became my canvas, teaching me that the true art of photography lies not in the gear but in the heart of the storyteller behind the lens.
In Kolkata, I was drawn to the heartbeat of the city, preferring to wander off the beaten path where its soul truly thrives. My lens gravitated toward the raw vibrancy of Calcutta’s bustling flower market, the tranquil embrace of the botanical gardens, and the artistic charm of the potters’ quarter, Kumartuli. Iconic landmarks rarely found their way into my frame—they felt too staged, too predictable. Instead, I sought the unscripted stories hiding in the alleys and everyday corners, where Kolkata revealed itself in all its unfiltered, authentic glory.
Between 2009 and 2013, my photography was all about simplicity—focused purely on aesthetics and composition, untouched by technical wizardry or edits. It was an honest pursuit, capturing the world raw and unfiltered, letting each moment speak for itself.
St. Paul’s Cathedral reflected in a rain puddle, as a man walks by—a simple, timeless moment in Kolkata.
Under the vast canopy of The Great Banyan tree at Kolkata’s Botanical Garden, the world’s largest, where nature’s grandeur leaves you in awe.
At Mallick Ghat, Asia’s largest wholesale flower market, where the streets pulse with color and life. Capturing the raw essence of Kolkata, this moment froze a man selling a vibrant bunch of fresh red roses—just one of the many stories blooming in the chaos.
An idol maker at Kumartuli, Kolkata, shaping the goddess with skill and devotion, as the city prepares for the grand celebration of Durga Puja.
Goddess Durga takes shape in the artistic lanes of Kumartuli, where tradition meets craftsmanship. Kumartuli, a historic potters’ quarter in northern Kolkata, is renowned for its intricate art of idol making, preserving the rich cultural heritage of the city.
Monsoon melodies in Kolkata: A yellow taxi braves the rain-soaked streets, capturing the city’s timeless charm. Published in Vistara Airlines’ in-flight magazine.
At NUJS, my law school, the spark for photography was kindled with the support of friends and seniors who lent me their cameras and invaluable feedback. It was here I first captured the essence of campus life and later became the official photographer, documenting the university’s vibrant cultural and educational events.
Before We Say Good Bye
2012-2013
Captured with Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40
My next camera was the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40, a point-and-shoot with a 24X zoom, which I snagged for just nine grand on Olx right at the tail end of law school. Despite its humble beginnings, it helped me capture some unforgettable moments of Kolkata before I packed up for Delhi.
One of the finest moments of my photography journey was at Banabitan, Kolkata’s second-largest open space, built around a vast lake that became a sanctuary for water birds—lesser whistling ducks, common moorhens, egrets, cormorants, and many more—turning every shot into a slice of nature’s poetry.
In the final year of law school, I found myself often wandering to the tranquil shores of Rabindra Sarovar Lake, one of Kolkata’s most beloved recreational spots. With its serene artificial lake and trees that have stood tall for over a century, it became my go-to place for capturing the city’s natural beauty. The peaceful setting was often interrupted by the sight of people rowing on the lake, while a colorful array of birds like kingfishers, brown-breasted flycatchers, pin-tailed snipes, and blue-throated blue catchers flitted through the air—every visit felt like a new frame waiting to be captured.
At the crack of dawn, Rabindra Sarovar Lake comes alive with a flurry of birds in flight, their motion blurred in a dance of freedom across the morning sky.
At Calcutta Rowing Club, a man peacefully kayaks across the lake, captured from above as the gentle ripples mirror the calm of Kolkata’s timeless beauty.
Without a doubt, these two spots became some of my absolute favorite places in Kolkata to capture the city’s soul through my lens. I wasn’t into street photography back then, otherwise, it would have been a truly great opportunity to capture the city’s vibrant culture, its people, food, and the charm of its narrow lanes. Now, after more than 10 years, when I look back, I can’t help but see it as a missed opportunity, a treasure trove of moments I could’ve captured.
Kolkata: A Journey Back
August 2021
Captured with Panasonic Lumix S1
When I found myself in Kolkata during the peak of the Covid times, I managed to steal a day for myself—the day of my second vaccination dose—to revisit some of the city’s iconic spots and capture the frames I had missed or couldn’t do justice to back then. But this time, I had a new companion: my advanced full-frame mirrorless camera, the Lumix S1. With more experience and a powerful new tool in hand, I revisited those same spots, determined to recreate the images fresh sense of aesthetics, hoping to bring to life the essence of Kolkata that had always eluded my earlier attempts.
Victoria Memorial bathed in the soft glow of a blue hour August evening, its timeless beauty illuminated, casting a magical aura over Kolkata’s historic heart
Vidya Sagar Setu in striking black and white, captured from a low angle, where symmetry and composition amplify the monument’s grandeur, showcasing Kolkata’s engineering marvel in its purest form.
I only truly embraced street photography at the tail end of 2023, and ever since, Kolkata has been my dream city to explore through my lens. There’s something magical about its old-world charm that keeps pulling me back—whether it’s the iconic trams rattling along busy roads or the narrow lanes of Kumartuli brimming with life and tradition. And as a big-time foodie, Kolkata is a paradise I can’t resist. From its mouthwatering street food to its legendary biryani, the city tempts not just my camera but also my taste buds, making every visit an adventure for both my lens and my palate.
But enough about me—tell me what you love about Kolkata in the comments below, or share a cherished memory from your time in this enchanting City of Joy. Let’s celebrate its magic together!
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