Facts for Kids

Kolkata is a vibrant city in eastern India, located beside the Hooghly River. 🌊

It's the capital of West Bengal and known for its rich culture and history. With over 4.5 million people, it's one of the largest cities in India! 🇮🇳 Kolkata is famous for its beautiful colonial buildings, delicious street food, and warm-hearted people. The city has a tropical wet and dry climate, so it’s often hot and humid. The city’s nickname, “The City of Joy,” reflects the happiness of its residents and their love for art, music, and literature! 🎉

Kolkata is a paradise for food lovers! 🍽

️ The city’s cuisine includes dishes like puchka (pani puri), kathi rolls, and mishti doi (sweetened yogurt). Sweet treats are especially famous, with sweets like rasgulla and sandesh delighting locals and visitors alike. 🍬

Many street food stalls serve delicious and affordable meals, making it easy to enjoy Kolkata’s flavors. The city’s food is influenced by its culture, using fresh ingredients and lots of spices! 🌶

️ Food plays a big role in Kolkata’s festivals too, with special dishes prepared for celebrations like Durga Puja.

Kolkata was founded in 1690 when the British East India Company set up a trading post. 🏛

️ The city grew quickly and became the capital of British India in 1772! It held this title until 1911, when the capital moved to Delhi. Kolkata played a significant role in India’s fight for independence, led by great leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose. ✊

After India gained independence in 1947, the city continued to develop and became a major cultural hub, celebrating its rich heritage and history. 📜

Today, you can still see reminders of its colonial past in the buildings and monuments.

Kolkata is home to many prestigious schools and universities that focus on education! 🏫

The city has a rich history of learning, with institutions like the University of Calcutta (established in 1857) and Presidency University. Many famous thinkers, scientists, and literary figures have studied here, such as Satyendra Nath Bose and Jagadish Chandra Bose. 👨

‍🎓 Kids in Kolkata can attend a variety of schools, from English-medium to Bengali-medium. Also, the city has excellent libraries and bookstores, making it easy for everyone to discover new books and learn! 📖

Kolkata has many exciting places to visit! 🏰

Some must-see attractions include the Victoria Memorial, a stunning white marble building, and the Indian Museum, which has amazing artifacts and exhibits. The Howrah Bridge, one of the busiest bridges in the world, is also a popular spot! 🌉

You can explore the beautiful scenery in Eden Gardens, where cricket matches are held. The Marble Palace and Dakshineswar Kali Temple are also interesting sites filled with history and charm. There’s always something fun to do in Kolkata! 🗺

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Kolkata has a diverse economy that includes various industries! 💼

Some key sectors are textiles, jute products, and information technology. The city is known as the "Jute Capital of the World," producing bags and carpets from jute plants. 🧺

Kolkata is also a major trade hub, with businesses focusing on steel, pharmaceuticals, and engineering. The Port of Kolkata is one of the oldest and busiest in India, allowing goods to flow in and out. Overall, Kolkata offers many job opportunities and remains an essential part of India’s economy. 📈

Kolkata is bursting with culture! 🎭

The city celebrates many festivals, like Durga Puja, which honors the goddess Durga with enormous idols, colorful decorations, and delicious food! 🍛

The festival attracts visitors from all over India and the world. Other celebrations include Kali Puja, Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year), and the Kolkata Book Fair, showcasing the city's love for literature. 📚

The people of Kolkata enjoy music, dance, and art, making it a lively place to live. The city is also home to many famous poets, writers, and artists, like Rabindranath Tagore. 🎨

Kolkata's environment is diverse, with a mix of urban areas and green spaces! 🌳

The city has parks like the Maidan and Eco Park, providing a breath of fresh air and habitats for birds and other wildlife. It's important to focus on keeping the environment clean, and many residents participate in tree planting and cleanliness drives. 🌱

However, pollution can be a challenge, so the city is working to improve air quality. Kolkata’s rivers and wetlands are crucial for local ecology, and protecting them helps maintain a healthy environment for both people and wildlife! 🦋

Getting around Kolkata is easy with different modes of transport! 🚆

The city has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and even a metro rail system! The Kolkata Metro, which started in 1984, is one of the first in India and makes commuting smooth and fast. 🚍

Taxis and ride-sharing services can also be found everywhere. Additionally, Kolkata is connected to other cities by a network of roads, railways, and an international airport called Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. ✈

️ This helps people travel to and from the city comfortably!