Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Kolkata also known as the “City of Joy” is the capital of the West Bengal state of India. It is a colourful and busy, dirty and overcrowded, but an absolute treasure for photography! Indian journalist Vir Sanghvi once said: “If you want a city with a soul, come to Kolkata“.

The city has earned the nickname ‘city of joy’ for its soulful embodiment of culture, love, mystery, respect and definitely some amazing sweet delicacies. Kolkata is a city that upholds a perfect juxtaposition between the old world and the modern one.

Every street and every corner in Kolkata has a story to tell. And as photographer it is our job and privilege to listen and document 🙂 It is also the last city in India where you can still see hand pulled rickshaws being used all the time.

I fell in love with this city from day one! I walked the streets every morning, enjoyed the sunrise from the ghats along the Hooghly river, walked the crazy busy flower market at Mullick ghat, took a ferry to cross the river from Howrah to Kolkata, rode a tram in the city centre, visited the busy book market on College street, mixed with the locals at Babughat to enjoy the sunset.

Please enjoy a few photos taken during the Photo Adventure in Kolkata.

Waiter directing clients to a table in the "Indian Coffee House" on College street in Kolkata.
Waiter directing clients to a table in the “Indian Coffee House” on College street in Kolkata.
People posing on a small street in Kolkata
People posing on a small street in Kolkata
Morning rituals at the Howrah side of the Hooghly river
Morning rituals at the Howrah side of the Hooghly river
Chaiwala on a street of Kolkata serving chai
Chaiwala on a street of Kolkata serving chai
Early morning in Kolkata. The famous yellow taxis are everywhere.
Early morning in Kolkata. The famous yellow taxis are everywhere.
Worker at the Kumartuli idol market in Kolkata taking a brake.
Worker at the Kumartuli idol market in Kolkata taking a brake.
Early morning on the Hooghly river with Kolkata in the background.
Early morning on the Hooghly river with Kolkata in the background.
Men fetching water from the Hooghly river for a restaurant near by.
Men fetching water from the Hooghly river for a restaurant near by.
Street scene in Kolkata close to the Nakhoda Masjid.
Street scene in Kolkata close to the Nakhoda Masjid.
Rickshaw puller taking a brake under the Howrah bridge in Kolkata.
Rickshaw puller taking a brake under the Howrah bridge in Kolkata.