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Showing posts from June, 2024

Why do Bengalis have a keen sense of humour

 Bengalis are often celebrated for their fantastic sense of humor, which can be attributed to several cultural and historical factors: 1. Rich Literary Tradition Humorous Literature : Bengal has a rich tradition of humorous literature. Renowned writers like Sukumar Ray, known for his nonsensical poetry and limericks, and Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay, famous for his witty detective stories, have influenced generations. Satire and Wit : Bengali literature often includes satire and wit, which helps develop a keen sense of humor among readers. 2. Theatre and Cinema Comedy in Theatre : Bengali theatre has a long history of incorporating comedy and satire. This tradition has kept humor alive and relevant in Bengali culture. Iconic Comedians : Bengali cinema boasts iconic comedians like Bhanu Bandopadhyay and Rabi Ghosh, whose performances have left a lasting impact on Bengali humor. 3. Cultural Practices Adda (Informal Gatherings) : The culture of 'adda' – informal intellectual conversat

Best Mishti Shops in Kolkata

Kolkata, often referred to as the "City of Joy," is renowned for its rich tradition of sweets and desserts. Here are some of the best sweet shops in Kolkata that you must visit: Iconic Sweet Shops KC Das Location: Esplanade, Shyambazar Specialty: Known as the inventor of the famous rasgulla, KC Das offers a variety of Bengali sweets. Must-tries include rasgulla, mishti doi, and chamcham. Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick Location: Bhowanipore, Salt Lake, and other locations Specialty: This legendary sweet shop is famous for its traditional sweets like sandesh and rasgulla, as well as innovative treats like baked rasgulla and chocolate sandesh. Nalin Chandra Das & Sons Location: Hatibagan, Baghbazar Specialty: Established in 1841, this shop is known for its authentic Bengali sweets. Highlights include kanchagolla, sitabhog, and rosomalai. Bhikharam Chandmal Location: Esplanade, Burrabazar Specialty: Famous for its kaju barfi, sohan papdi, and a variety of na

Best Restaurants in Kolkata

Kolkata, known for its rich cultural heritage and culinary diversity, offers a wide range of dining options. Here are some of the best restaurants in Kolkata, catering to different tastes and preferences: Fine Dining Peter Cat Location: Park Street Cuisine: Continental, Indian, and Persian Specialty: Famous for its Chelo Kebabs, a dish comprising kebabs served on a bed of buttered rice with a fried egg and grilled tomato. 6 Ballygunge Place Location: Ballygunge Cuisine: Bengali Specialty: Offers traditional Bengali dishes like Kosha Mangsho (spicy mutton curry) and Daab Chingri (prawns cooked in tender coconut). Oh! Calcutta Location: Forum Mall, Elgin Cuisine: Bengali Specialty: Known for its authentic Bengali cuisine, including Bhapa Ilish (steamed hilsa fish) and Aam Porar Shorbot (raw mango drink). The Corner Courtyard Location: Sarat Bose Road Cuisine: Continental, Italian Specialty: Offers a mix of contemporary and classic dishes in a beautifully restored heritage bui

Owain Jenkins - MD Balmer Lawrie, remembers Calcutta

SIR OWAIN JENKINS, died at the age of 89, he was an old school East India merchant with a taste for hard work, horses and country sports. For 30 years he worked for Balmer Lawrie, the    Calcutta  agency house, of which he became managing director in 1948. Agency houses, institutions peculiar to Bengal, provided professional management for a variety of enterprises. Balmer Lawrie managed tea, coal mining, paper making and engineering businesses. Jenkins's family had strong links with India. His father was a member of the Indian Civil Service and of the Viceroy's Executive Council; his mother was a Trevor, one of the four families described by Kipling as "serving India from generation to generation as dolphins follow in line across the open sea". When Jenkins arrived in India in 1929, railways were still supreme and the horse was a rival of the motor car. Offers of delegated power were still being refused by Congress, and British merchants outnumbered administrators by