Kolkata Christmas Festival facts for kids
The Kolkata Christmas Festival is a super fun event held every December in Kolkata, India. It's one of the biggest Christmas parties in the country! The whole city lights up with amazing Christmas lights. These lights stretch from St Xavier’s College all the way to Jawaharlal Nehru Road. Lately, the lights go even further, reaching Mullick Bazar and St Paul’s Cathedral. Even Camac Street gets into the festive spirit! Talented artists from Chandannagar design all these beautiful lights. At Allen Park on Park Street, you can enjoy live music from bands and choirs. There's also a special two-hour Christmas Parade. About 500 school kids join in the parade, making it a huge celebration!
How the Festival Started
The Kolkata Christmas Festival, also called KCF, began in 2011. The Tourism Department of the West Bengal Government started it. They worked with the Christian community to make it happen.
The idea for the festival came from Mamata Banerjee. She is the Chief Minister of West Bengal. Many groups work together to put on this festival. These include the West Bengal Government, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, and the Kolkata Police. Some private groups also help out.
About the Festival Fun
The Kolkata Christmas Festival usually happens in December. In 2017, it ran from December 22 to December 30. It used to be only around Christmas Day. But now it lasts for a longer time.
The main part of the festival is at Allen Park. This park is on Park Street. Park Street is also known as Mother Teresa Sarani. During Christmas and New Year's Eve, Park Street becomes a "walk-only" zone. This means no cars are allowed. People can walk freely and enjoy the celebrations. Allen Park is the heart of the festival. This is where all the live music shows take place.
Many talented groups have performed at the KCF. The choir from Dr Graham's Homes School in Kalimpong has performed. The Calcutta Symphony Orchestra from the Calcutta School of Music has also played. Famous singers like Usha Uthup and bands like Barefoot and Krosswindz have entertained the crowds.
A very large Christmas tree is set up. It stands near Mother Teresa’s statue. This is at the crossing of Park Street and Camac Street.
