Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

The 19th annual programme of Centre For Archaeological Studies & Training, Eastern India was held on 20-21 November, 2014 in the city. The greater Kolkata is now 1886.67 square kilometres. Kalyani to Baruipur, Uluberia to Rajarhat - the archaeology of greater Kolkata was being discussed in the seminar and the colonial architecture, culture, education, health, water of these areas were assessed too. 19-25 November is the World Heritage Week. Murshidabad Heritage Development Society is working to conserve the heritage of this old historical place. To observe this week, a seminar named 'Resurgence' is now being held at the lounge of Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Dalhousie. Eminent personalities in respect of heritage monuments, architecture, culture, workers, experts or policy makers will participate in this seminar. A book named "Murshidabad" was published from here yesterday. Many experts of conservation will participate here across the ...

In the year 1978, when Satyajit Roy was busy at Indrapuri studio for the shooting of his 'Shatranj Ke Khilari', a young lad of 22 years was enjoying the work of Ray and capturing his moods. When he got time of his own, he used to go hither & thither of the city to capture various moods of Calcutta. That young person, Pablo Bartholomew is now world-famous photojournalist. His still photography on Bhopal Gas Tragedy won the best photography award of World Press Photo of the year 1984. Besides, Pablo bagged 'Padma Shri' award of Government of India in the year 2013 and Chevalier de L'Ordre honour by the French government. After about four years, Pablo is now again in Kolkata with his new series of exhibition "The Calcutta Diaries" in 4 parts - 'Didima' or Grandmother, Kolkatar Nanarakam or variety of Kolkata, Chaina Town and shooting of Satyajit Ray. There are 80 photos in the exhibition. The exhibition is running from 22 November to ...

The first horse-drawn bus was introduced in old Calcutta (Kolkata) in the year 1830 on this day. -- A. B.

Today is Kartik Puja. So, the vendor is waiting for the buyers of idol of Kartik on the street of Kolkata. -- A. B.

Burrabazar Phal Patty is the place where various fruits come from every corner of the country and wholesalers use to pick the fruits. It is very old place of Kolkata. -- A. B.

BigB Amitabh Bachchan was riding a bicycle on the busy roads of Raj Bhavan and Telephone Bhavan. He was looking for 'piku' - a young boy. It was part of a new film of Sujit Sarkar "Piku" based on Kolkata. The shooting of this riding was actually scheduled to be done by dummy, but BigB insisted to perform it himself. The shooting was held on last Sunday. -- A. B.

On 3 November, 2014 at 5:30 pm the city will celebrate 150 Years of Richard Strauss, the great German musician. The function will be held at the western veranda of Victoria Memorial. Goethe Institute, Max Mueller Bhavan and Calcutta School Of Music will jointly organise the programme. Robert Strauss was born on 11 June, 1864 in Munich and wrote his first composition at the age of six. He learnt music from his father. Germany recognised him as the magician of music for his outstanding compositions, symphony and orchestra. He was died on 8 September, 1949. -- A. B.