In Kolkata, a new initiative called the Kolkata Illumination Project is drawing attention to the city’s architectural heritage. Led by tour guide Sujoy Sen, the project organizes evening tours that highlight illuminated landmarks, including the historic General Post Office and colonial-era structures. These nighttime excursions aim to showcase how light can rejuvenate the visual appeal of these often-overlooked buildings.
Sen discovered this concept after reading about local efforts to restore the lighting on grand heritage structures. His success in illuminating several sites has sparked renewed interest in the city’s rich and diverse architecture, which includes influences from colonial, Hindu, and Jain styles. He aims to provide visitors with a fresh perspective of Kolkata, similar to views experienced in cities like Paris.
The Kolkata Restorers, a loosely formed community group driving the project, seeks to revive not just buildings but also a sense of local pride in the city’s historical importance. Mudar Patherya, a key figure behind the initiative, emphasizes that the effort is citizen-led and involves community contributions. The project’s approach involves focusing on financing the electricity costs while securing funds for restoration.
As the project progresses, challenges have emerged. Many targeted buildings are in disrepair, necessitating restoration work before lighting can be installed. For instance, the Hogg Market clock tower requires extensive repairs after years of neglect. Patherya is collaborating with local craftspeople, such as Swapan Dutta, a clock repair expert, to restore these historical elements.
Currently, the initiative has illuminated around 92 buildings, with ambitions to reach 200, aiming to transform Kolkata’s nighttime aesthetic while fostering engagement with its historical architecture.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c14704vj4r2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss