Christmas carols, a melodious choir, a light and sound exhibition, rock music, shimmering lights, and of course, delectable food – these are the myriad nuances of Christmas celebrations on Park Street in Kolkata. Christmas in Kolkata cannot be complete without an illuminated Park Street and a mad jostle to get into one of the famed restaurants at the city´s entertainment hub. In 2011 this is what we have sought to recreate for the city, making Kolkata swing to the Yuletide spirit like never before with this unique Christmas Carnival, bringing together different communities through music, food and carols at a street mela. Held on December 18th, the Festival - the first of its kind in the city – held at the Allen Garden saw a carol singing session in which several Leading Christian organizations took part.

The Carnival saw a part of Park Street shut down and re–emerge as 25 food stalls set up by different Kolkata communities like the Anglo Indians, Goans, Chinese, Bengalis, Malayalis, Nepalis and Parsis– all selling Christmas goodies, cakes and Christmas decorations.

A very popular element of the festivals was a Music Concert featuring Usha Uthup, Bhoomi, Hip Pocket with Rila Banerjee, The Saturday Night Blues Band and Orient Express

Children dressed up to pose for photographs with Father Christmas. Underprivileged children of the neighbourhood were given gifts. We hope to sustain and grow the initiative in years to come.