Ode to Kolkata

Kolkata , a city full of joy and collective of compliments and romanticism ; it is an emotion, a living canvas of culture, heritage, and resilience that shapes the soul of everyone who calls it home. Growing up in Kolkata is like growing up in a storybook—its pages filled with timeless tales of art, literature, music, and tradition that quietly weave themselves into the fabric of your being.

The city breathes history in every corner. From the stately grandeur of colonial architecture to the narrow, bustling lanes of North Kolkata, there is an enduring charm that makes time feel slower, more intentional. The aroma of freshly brewed tea from clay bhar on street corners, the rhythmic clang of the tram bells, and the chants of dhakis during Durga Puja—all these moments are not just memories but the heartbeat of Kolkata that forever echoes in your soul.

To grow up here is to inherit a legacy. It’s to learn Rabindrasangeet before pop music, to hear stories of revolution and renaissance, and to understand the poetry in everyday life. It’s the warmth of community, where neighbors are more like extended family, and conversations over a plate of telebhaja become life lessons in disguise. Kolkata teaches you that heritage isn’t just monuments or traditions—it’s the empathy, the intellect, and the creative spirit that you carry within you.

Our upbringing in Kolkata is deeply intertwined with its rich heritage. The city doesn’t just raise you; it molds you. The pride of walking past the Howrah Bridge, the awe of flipping through old books at College Street, the laughter echoing in paras during evening addas—these are not just experiences; they are imprints on our hearts. Kolkata teaches you to embrace simplicity and celebrate the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Even when we leave its physical boundaries, Kolkata never leaves us. Its essence lingers in how we celebrate festivals, how we treat people, and how we cherish art, culture, and traditions. It teaches us to value intellect over materialism and community over individualism. In a world that’s often too fast, Kolkata gives us the gift of nostalgia, reminding us to slow down, breathe, and savor life.

Growing up in Kolkata means carrying a piece of the city in your heart forever—a piece that reminds you of where you came from and how it continues to shape who you are. It’s not just a city; it’s a heritage, a feeling, a way of life that stays with you, no matter where you go.

Calcutta isn’t just the nostalgia of hand pulled rickshaws, adda at Coffee House, or the charm of yellow taxis. It’s so much mor it’s comfort, spontaneity, unconditional love, and a quiet yet powerful way of acceptance. This city gives without asking, embraces without hesitation, and offers a sense of belonging that words can barely capture.

This campaign wasn’t a planned one . But as I scrolled through my gallery, the overwhelming gratitude I feel for Calcutta urged me to express this. GULMOHAR has always been our space to channel emotions, ideas, and affections through visuals and words—and today, it’s for the city that shaped us.

Our love for Athangudi tiles is well-known, but have we truly appreciated the beauty of our quintessential and traditional Calcutta Sada Kalo Mejhe (black-and-white floors)? The understated elegance of these two contrasting colors coming together creates a minimalist charm that’s timeless and captivating.

This is the essence of Calcutta—beauty that resides in every corner, in the simplest details we often overlook. Here, tradition seamlessly blends with sophistication, making even the most ordinary elements appear extraordinary. It’s all about perspective, about seeing the grace and elegance that this city effortlessly exude.

Kolkata is aesthetically pleasing in every sense—its charm lies in the ideas, designs, and patterns that emerge from every lane, building and street. There’s a tantalizing aroma of old buildings here, rich with history and emotions, making the city unforgettable.

It’s a city of memories—of childhood laughter echoing through balconies, of football matches played in narrow streets, and of lives shaped by its enduring spirit. The way plants grow through the cracks of old walls is a perfect metaphor for Kolkata—constantly nurturing new ideas and generations while rooted in its timeless heritage.

Kolkata knows how to embrace the new while preserving the old, a delicate balance that makes it unparalleled. And this is why I am unapologetically biased toward this city. Kolkata needs no reason to fall in love with her—it’s a love that simply exists.

Minimalism is the ultimate sophistication something Kolkata has taught me in every way. From the city’s hues to its lifestyle and people, Kolkata embodies a simplistic yet profound beauty that resonates everywhere.

This city’s love for soft silhouettes and comfortable, sustainable fashion is deeply inspiring. Kolkata women have a remarkable ability to wear a simple cotton saree to any occasion, carrying it with unmatched grace and elegance. As a brand, we strive to encourage people to embrace comfort in the clothes they love, and Kolkata’s effortless sense of artistry and minimalism serves as a constant source of inspiration.

A plain cotton saree, with its timeless charm, holds far more grace than overly accessorized ensembles, and for this refined aesthetic, I remain deeply grateful to this city.

alcutta is not just a city; it’s a sentiment, a canvas painted with heritage, art, and resilience. It thrives in its timeless charm, in the whispers of old buildings, and the vibrancy of its people. Here, tradition meets modernity in the most harmonious way, where every street tells a story, and every corner holds a piece of history. Calcutta shapes not just our upbringing but our perspective, teaching us to find beauty in simplicity, strength in community, and art in the everyday. It’s a city that doesn’t merely exist—it lives, breathes, and grows in the hearts of those who call it home.

Ode to Kolkata