![]() ![]() My only issue with this place is that the main food court (think it was called Hangouts) is no longer present anymore, having been replaced by a Burger King and a cafe, which is a real shame in my opinion as that was a place I loved to visit and eat whenever I went with my relatives here and its closure means that there are fewer eating options now, but apart from that, I still love visiting this area and with the new metro line now open, travelling there should be more convenient than before, especially when the full line to Howrah opens. Has a relatively good selection of shops (even though a few have shut before and during the pandemic), most of the indoor mall and even the outside corridors are relatively clean and well-maintained (definitely puts New Market in Central Kolkata to shame in my opinion) and covid checks and regulations are followed for the most part. Maybe even in times of low business, it is this freedom that keeps kite-makers going.One of the best shopping centres/malls I've visited in the Kolkata area and a place I've visited many times throughout the years whenever I've travelled to Kolkata. Kites no doubt speak of freedom, flight in the undaunting expanse of an autumn sky. Nevertheless, the hype around Vishwakarma Pujo has lifted spirits of kite-makers, whose shops don the area around Santosh Mitra Square. The result is huge loss for traditional kite makers who deal in conventional thread reels for ‘latais.’ Moreover, low-priced Chinese nylon thread reels, which are banned by the Indian Government, have flooded the black market. Young people are more enthusiastic about mobile phone games,” he added in a sad tone. “Over the years interest in kite flying is waning rapidly. That’s how the likes of Nilmani Sen are still trying to hold on to the dying tradition of kite flying in Bengal and make it popular as much as possible.īut still there is a trace of melancholy in Sen’s voice. The champions receive Rs 30,000/- and runners get a cash prize of Rs 20,000/. “The money collected from the festivals is used by Calcutta Kite Club to fund the expenses recurred in organising the competition and also prize money,” said Sen. Awesome Kite Collection & Behavior Of the Owner are So Sweet. ![]() The team that successfully nabs the first 11 kites altogether, is declared winner. “Nasir Ahmed and I oversee the proceedings of this festival that draws an audience from all across Bengal and even at times from other states of India,” says Nilmani babu in between his busy ‘kite selling’ schedule.Īround 68 teams participate in two kite flying competitions - Calcutta League and Calcutta Knock-Out. The club, as active as ever, has maintained the tradition of kite competitions at Maidan during November-December, on the onset of winter. Nemai Chandra Sen, father of Nilmani Sen, was the President of the association and managed its activities, along with secretary Damodar Sen and Prabodh Chandra Dey. Calcutta Kite Club has always been on the forefront, to uphold the rich heritage of kite flying in Kolkata and its outskirts. ![]() Just like this association which was started by Anup Chandra Nag, owner of famous Bhim Nag Sweets, way back in 1949. Anything first, always has a different shade. Though Kolkata and its suburbs over the years saw a spurt of Kite Flying Clubs, including those in both North and South Kolkata, even one as far as Bally, Calcutta Kite Association has a different legacy. His shop selling kites and the kite club are in the same building. He is one of the principal members of Calcutta Kite Association, that happens to be the oldest Kite Club of Kolkata. Nilmani babu also has another feather to his cap. This lane is abuzz with the sounds of sellers and buyers and a kaleidoscope of colourful kites displayed in various hues and forms. After all, Vishwakarma Pujo, that marks the beginning of kite flying ceremony in Bengal starts today and will continue for a week. Nilmani Sen, proprietor of Bishu’s Kites at Banchharam Akrur Lane, Bowbazar, is busy managing his business. ![]()
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