City of Lights: Kolkata’s Heritage in a New Glow
Kolkata, the former capital of British India, is home to an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Its streets are lined with colonial buildings, churches, Hindu and Jain temples, and the former residences of freedom fighters and merchants. Each structure tells a story of the city’s cosmopolitan past, reflecting influences from Armenian, Portuguese, Greek, and British cultures. Among the most recognizable is the General Post Office (GPO) building, a 157-year-old neoclassical masterpiece. Its towering Corinthian columns and iconic dome dominate the heart of the city. Nearby, the Raj Bhavan, formerly the British Governor’s House, stands as a grand symbol of colonial architecture. The Magic of Night IlluminationThe Kolkata Illumination Project brings these historic structures to life after sundown. Buildings like the Queens Mansion, built by an Armenian builder in the early 20th century, and the Geological Survey of India’s neoclassical building are transformed under soft LED lights. The illumination highlights details often missed during the day the intricate carvings, ornate columns, and fine architectural motifs. Temples tucked away in north Kolkata reveal their beauty when lit at night. The warm yellow glow of LEDs accentuates the stone facades, sculpted pillars, and detailed murals, creating a serene, almost ethereal effect. Even markets, like the 150-year-old Hogg Market, gain a new dimension as the Gothic clock towers, arched windows, and brickwork are bathed in light, showing off the craftsmanship of a bygone era.The Spark That Started It AllThe Calcutta Illumination Project was envisioned by Mudar Patherya, a businessman, heritage activist, and writer, who joined hands with like-minded individuals to bring the idea to life. To turn his dream of illuminating historic buildings into reality, Patherya turned to crowdfunding. He crafted heartfelt messages on WhatsApp, sharing his passion and vision with his network. The overwhelming response reflected the community’s belief in his initiative and gave the project its first spark.Encouraged by this wave of support, Patherya expanded his ambitions, aiming to light up entire stretches of the city. With a bold plan to illuminate around 500 buildings in the coming years, the Calcutta Illumination Project took shape as a movement to reimagine Kolkata’s heritage through light and collective effort.Iconic Structures in FocusKolkata’s heritage landmarks truly come alive under night illumination. The Victoria Memorial, crowned by the 16-foot bronze Angel of Victory that rotates with the wind, gleams brilliantly against the evening sky, its reflection shimmering in the surrounding moat and enhancing the monument’s grandeur. In the Dalhousie area, red-brick colonial-era buildings, closed in the evenings, glow warmly, with their neoclassical columns, railings, and decorative features beautifully highlighted. The Kalachand Temple transforms into a jewel of the narrow streets, as layered lighting accentuates its intricate stonework and carved designs. Similarly, the Maghen David Synagogue, with its clock tower and red-brick facade, gains renewed prominence under soft illumination. Even the Returned Letter Office, once handling undeliverable mail, radiates charm through its illuminated arches and windows, showcasing the city’s architectural elegance after dark.Heritage Meets Modern DesignLED lights have been carefully chosen to enhance architectural beauty without overwhelming it. Layered lighting emphasizes textures, depth, and intricate designs while remaining energy-efficient. The soft yellow tones highlight stonework, while subtle accent lights bring out murals and decorative details. Even large domes and clock towers are now visible from afar, emphasizing the city’s skyline in a dramatic, cinematic way. Historic clock towers, like the one at Hogg Market, regain prominence. Their structures, combined with illumination, remind the city of its heritage, and the subtle glow of the clock faces adds a romantic charm to the surrounding streets. Visitors walking past these glowing structures experience the city as a living museum, where history, culture, and architecture converge in light. Even long-familiar buildings appear fresh, showing off the grandeur and elegance that daylight often overshadows.Kolkata in a New LightThe Kolkata Illumination Project proves that heritage and modernity can coexist beautifully. By highlighting the city’s rich architectural history through carefully designed lighting, the project has transformed Kolkata after dark. The city’s neoclassical, Gothic, and Art Deco landmarks, its markets, temples, synagogues, and colonial mansions now shine proudly, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to see Kolkata anew.
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