Facts for Kids

Kolkata, also called Calcutta, is a vibrant city in India! 🎉

It is the capital of the state of West Bengal and is located in the eastern part of the country. Kolkata is known for its rich history, colorful culture, and friendly people. With over 4.5 million residents, it's one of India's largest cities! 🏙

️ The city was founded in 1690 and is home to the famous Hooghly River. Kolkata is also known for its love of art, literature, and delicious food. 🌈

If you want to learn about a lively city where traditions thrive, Kolkata is a great place to explore!

Food lovers adore Kolkata for its delicious cuisine! 🍽

️ The city is famous for dishes like “macher jhol” (fish curry) and “rosogolla” (sweet syrupy balls)! 🐟🥯 Bengali sweets are amazing, with treats like “sandesh” and “mishti doi” (sweet yogurt). Kolkata is also known for street food like “puchka” (pani puri) and “kathi rolls.” Street vendors make this food fresh and yummy! 👨

‍🍳 Don't forget about the daily fish markets where people buy fresh fish caught from the Hooghly River. Every bite tells a story of the city's rich flavors and traditions! 😋

The history of Kolkata dates back to 1690 when Englishman Job Charnock settled there! 🏴

‍☠️ The British East India Company turned it into an important trade center. By 1773, Kolkata became the capital of British India until 1911. 🎩

During this time, it was a hub for education and culture. Notably, the city's iconic Howrah Bridge was completed in 1943 across the Hooghly River! It’s made of steel and connects Kolkata to Howrah. Today, you can find reminders of this rich history in many places, from churches to old buildings! 📚

Kolkata is filled with amazing places to visit! 🏰

One of the most popular sites is the Victoria Memorial, which is a beautiful museum surrounded by gardens. 🌼

You should also check out the Howrah Bridge, an engineering marvel! The Indian Museum is the oldest museum in Asia, and it has fossils, mummies, and amazing artifacts! 🦖

You can also explore Marble Palace, known for its stunning architecture! Don't forget to enjoy a boat ride on the Hooghly River or visit the lively New Market for shopping! 🎁

Kolkata has something exciting for every visitor!

Kolkata has a diverse economy, which means it makes money from different places! 💰

Industries here include textiles, jute (used to make bags), and information technology. Kolkata is also a major center for tea trading in India! ☕

The city’s port is one of the busiest in the country, helping to ship goods around the world. Many people work in educational and medical fields too, making the city a vital hub for knowledge and healthcare! 🏥

With its central location and rich resources, Kolkata continues to grow and support its people! 📈

Kolkata is a city full of exciting festivals! 🎉

One of the biggest is Durga Puja, celebrating the goddess Durga with colorful decorations, dances, and food! It lasts for about ten days, attracting thousands of visitors. 🥳

Another important festival is Poila Baisakh, the Bengali New Year, where people wear traditional clothes and enjoy yummy sweets! 🥯

Kolkata is also famous for its arts—many writers, poets, and artists hail from here. The city celebrates its rich culture through music, dance, and theater, making it a true cultural epicenter of India! 🎭

Kolkata's architectural style is a mix of various influences! 🏛

️ You can find colonial buildings from the British era, like the grand Raj Bhavan and Writer’s Building. The colorful and intricate Dakshineswar Kali Temple is another stunning landmark! 🕌

The National Library, a beautiful place filled with books, is also worth visiting. There are modern buildings like the ITC Sonar and Tata Centre, showcasing the city’s growth! 🏙

️ The famous Howrah Bridge, made of steel, is a landmark loved by everyone and reflects Kolkata’s spirit! Each structure tells a story from Kolkata’s rich heritage! 🌍

Kolkata is known for its amazing educational institutions! 📚

The city is home to prestigious universities, like the University of Calcutta, founded in 1857. It was the first university in Asia to teach higher education! 🎓

Schools in Kolkata focus on subjects like literature, science, and art. Some famous schools include St. Xavier's College and Loreto House! The city also has various libraries and museums enhancing learning experiences. It’s a great place for children and adults to discover new ideas and expand their knowledge! 🌟

Kolkata is not just a bustling city; it also has beautiful green spaces! 🌳

One popular park is the Maidan, which is large and perfect for picnics and games! You can find people jogging, playing cricket, or relaxing there! 🌼

There are also many gardens and parks like the Botanical Garden, which has the iconic Banyan tree that is over 250 years old! 🕊

️ Kolkata has several lakes and rivers, helping keep the environment fresh. It’s essential to maintain nature for everyone to enjoy and play in! 🌞

Protecting green spaces is crucial for the city's health!

Kolkata has an extensive transport system, making it easy to get around! 🚍

The city has buses, taxis, and even a subway called the Kolkata Metro, which was India’s first underground rail system! 🚇

You can also ride the iconic yellow taxis, which have been around since the 1940s. The Howrah and Sealdah Railway Stations are major train hubs, connecting Kolkata to other cities. 🚆

The city is very accessible, making it possible for people to travel easily for work or fun! Plus, the famous Hooghly River has ferries that help people cross too! 🚤

Kolkata has been home to many famous people who changed history! ✨

One of them is Rabindranath Tagore, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. He is known for his beautiful poetry and songs! 🎶

Another important figure is Swami Vivekananda, a spiritual leader who taught people about yoga and meditation. 🧘

‍♂️ You should also learn about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who fought for India's freedom against British rule. His bravery is celebrated every year! These historical figures not only belong to Kolkata but also inspire people all over the world! 🌏