Calcutta Photo Tours

21/01/2024

Life in progress
© .manjit

19/12/2023

I've been going to Kumartuli for almost 15 years now, and amidst all the places in Calcutta that hold a special place in my heart, this one stands out as my absolute favourite. There's something magical about this neighbourhood that can lift me out of the doldrums. Just being there, soaking in the atmosphere, brings me immense joy.

One of my cherished rituals is sitting at the ghat, indulging in a butter toast and a cup of cha. It's like a remedy for almost everything that might be bothering me—well, almost everything.

Over the years, I've witnessed residents dating, getting married, and embracing parenthood. In those moments, I've come to feel that Kumartuli isn't just a place I visit; it's a home, and the people there are like family to me.

I feel fortunate not to be tied to a desk job. My life intersects with so many others in different parts of the city, creating connections I might never have experienced with a different profession. Honestly, I wish to continue this journey until my very last.

To everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey with me, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

28/11/2023

On our Hooghly's Flower Fest Tour.

© Manjit Singh Hoonjan, 2023

03/08/2023

The sky today was magic.
And over the river... That's sublime!

© .manjit

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03/08/2023

Balcony Love!

What I would give to see Calcutta in its glorious past!
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23/07/2023

As the young flock abroad or to distant cities, an entire generation remains behind, fending for themselves. This is such a poignant reminder of the need for human connection. House helps and money transfers ease her life, but nothing can replace the warmth of real companionship - not even video calls. For many who have moved away from parents, they feel they are “there” via the online transfer of funds to take care of needs or the “ritual video call”. But once the everyday hustle settles, it's just hours of emptiness for these souls.

So, the next time you see someone like this, gift them the gift of company. It is what they need, trapped behind a mesh of virtuality!

22/07/2023

Memories of a rain drenched afternoon.
The love that is Calcutta!
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11/07/2023

Human cranes in action on our Mesmerizing Markets Tour. Experience this unique phenomenal only on this tour.

© Calcutta Photo Tours | Manjit Singh Hoonjan
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08/07/2023

... and work goes on...
© .manjit

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05/07/2023

Calcutta!

28/06/2023

Rainy days in Calcutta and the special Chai in clay cups! Bliss!
© Manjit Singh Hoonjan Calcutta Photo Tours

23/06/2023

Rediscovering Calcutta's Paradox: The Rickshaw Pullers

The streets of Calcutta, where tradition and modernity collide in the most unexpected ways! this seemingly ordinary scene, in front of Bow Barracks, a historic landmark from World War I, is a profound tale of paradoxes that define Calcutta.

On one hand, it may seem inhumane to have fellow humans pull rickshaws while others sit comfortably. But removing them from the streets would deprive poor immigrants from Bihar of their livelihoods, plunging them further into destitution. This catch-22 situation embodies one of Calcutta's numerous paradoxes. Yet, amidst these contradictions, the rickshaw pullers have become unsung heroes, protecting and serving the community for generations. They navigate water-logged streets during monsoons and reach narrow lanes where taxis cannot go, ensuring safe journeys for school children and elders.

This remarkable relationship between the rickshaw pullers and parents showcases a bond built on trust and resilience. In a world where trust is often elusive, Calcutta defies the norm. These humble rickshaw pullers, without even a home in the city, have become guardians and custodians, shouldering the responsibility of transporting children safely. Their unwavering dedication serves as a living proof of the values we cherish.

Tour

22/06/2023

Discovering the vibrant tapestry of Calcutta's history, where a wave of Cantonese Chinese immigrants arrived in the late 18th century, transforming this city into a melting pot of cultures. Today, wandering through the charming streets of Calcutta's Chinatown unveils a fascinating legacy of trade, resilience, and diversity that continues to captivate all who visit.

Discover more on our Culture Kaleidoscope Tour. Details in bio or our website.

20/06/2023

Just another morning by the river.
© Manjit Singh Hoonjan. .manjit
All rights reserved.

This one from our Hooghly's Flower Fest Tour.
Link in bio.

19/06/2023

Was such a relief walking this morning with the sun not beating down my back. And, for a moment, it seemed like it was late evening. Now if we can really get some real rain please?

On my Culture Kaleidoscope Tour.

29/05/2023

How many of you have seen the "Ganga kals" ?

Calcutta has probably stopped noticing but this is an exemplar city in how accommodating it can be. The ubiquitous, and quotidian, rite of public bathing is among them

25/01/2023

Kung Hei Fat Choy
Gong Xi Fa Cai
恭喜發財

A Very Happy Chinese New Year from Calcutta.

Here's some glimpses into the Chinese New Year celebrations in old Chinatown.

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31/10/2022

Mornings are great! And mornings for the next few months have this absolutely magical light if you are a photographer. And if you are a photographer, you should be spending your mornings with us.

Sign up for tours. Details in the link in bio.

This one from our

© .manjit
All rights reserved.
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28/10/2022

When a few weeks ago, Subhadip Mukherjee of Indian Vagabond announced that he is shutting down his blog a lot of people asked him not to. Well, finally some good sense prevailed and he reversed the decision.

AND, Indian Vagabond will now be collaborating with Calcutta Photo Tours, and to celebrate the collaboration we are jointly offering a free walk on All Souls' Day.

Watch this space for more details.

05/10/2022

Shubho Bijoya, World.

11/09/2022

The beauty of this already beautiful place gets amplified a few times after sun down. The way the light catches, reflect and passes through the colourful tarps is a sight to behold.

However what is beautiful and worthy of being photographed is treacherous and difficult for the artisans.

With deadlines to meet and the treacherous monsoons to boot, this is one of the most crucial times for the artisans of Kumortuli.

So next time you are there, please be respectful of the space AND please ensure that your bags and belongings do not accidentally knock off bits and pieces of the statues. Please?

Oh, and do look up the Goddess Beckons Tour to sign up for this one. Details in bio.

📷 Manjit Singh Hoonjan
All rights reserved.

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09/09/2022

Now if there is one competition no one wants to see; it is the artisans of Kumortuli competing with the Weather Gods. The monsoons are at their peak as the statues get ready for Durga Puja. And since all the statues are sun-dried (Why? Well, that is why we lead walks in Kumortuli – sign up for the Goddess Beckons Tour and find out all about this) they need the heat and fair weather.

But the rains come down with all their might. And even though the colourful tarps look great to us photographers (we are so selfish) they are not enough. The clay just does not dry quick enough.

And, the humble kerosene blow torch comes to the rescue!

Anything with a little bit of dampness get a little lick of the flame.

P.S. Fellow photographers, next time you are there, please be mindful of your bags and belongings. Do not knock off limbs or delicate fingers off the statues. The least we can do is be respectful of the space.

📷 .manjit
All rights reserved.

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09/09/2022

If there is one place in Calcutta where we have done walks around the clock it is Kumortuli. From really early in the morning to deep into the night. It is also the place that has the maximum number of people who are always there to greet you and share a cup of chai. One of our absolutely favourite places in Calcutta to photograph.

And a favourite of every single photographer in Calcutta we suspect. 😁

But what makes this place special to us is the warm welcome these artists extend to us and our guests – and this is because of the beautiful relationship we have forged over the years.

Though honestly, right around this time, photographers and the artists do not really see eye to eye. And it is mostly because of a few photographers who do not respect the space. After all we are the “outsiders” and we should be respectful of the workshops and the artists.

With deadlines to meet and the treacherous monsoons to boot, this is one of the most crucial times for the artisans of Kumortuli.

So next time you are there, please be respectful of the space AND please ensure that your bags and belongings do not accidentally knock off bits and pieces of the statues. Please?

Oh, and do look up the Goddess Beckons Tour to sign up for this one. Details in bio.

📷 Manjit Singh Hoonjan
All rights reserved.

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08/09/2022

Markets are a great place to people watch. And when photographers people watch, they watch for interesting characters, situations and faces that tell stories.

What do you think is his story? Where do you think he is? What does he do for a living?

Come up-close and personal with ordinary people with their common stories with not-so-ordinary photographs.

📷 Manjit Singh Hoonjan
All rights reserved.

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08/09/2022

The most serious photography tour of all photo-tours that we lead. The Mesmerizing Markets Tour - sign up for this one if you want to be in the deep end of the photography pool as far as photographing the markets of Calcutta is concerned.

Oh! And not for the faint of heart.

📷 Manjit Singh Hoonjan
All rights reserved.

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07/09/2022

What we love about most of our tours is how dynamic they are. Based on who is on the tour they adapt to the interest. (And also keeps us excited and on our toes so that every tour feels the same - and we have been doing them for over 12 years now).

So when Chef Auroni Mookerjee of Sienna Store & Cafe got in touch with us and told us that Chef Thomas Zacharias and Karina Aggarwal are going to be on our Culture Kaleidoscope Tour we knew that it is going to be so much about food. And sure enough, it was!

Food and large dollops of culture and stories. Our Culture tour which is one of the best tours in India could, sure enough, be an amazing Food Tour when it wants to be.

Was so lovely to have you all with us. Hope you all took a special piece of Calcutta with you. ❤

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07/09/2022

What is the most amazing thing about Calcutta is how at the "people level" the city still co-exists like there is nothing wrong with the world. (A sad truth, but people are divided by politics, faith, countries.. and well, visas). But the texture of Calcutta at street level, at the level of neighbourhoods, is still more human. It is fast eroding, but it is still there.

Just like how these marigolds make perfect sense to be at a grotto housing infant Jesus and Mary.

This and a lot more on our Culture Kaleidoscope Tour. Details are in the links in the bio.

📷 Manjit Singh Hoonjan
All rights reserved.

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25/07/2022

As we stop by the Zoroastrian fire temple on our Culture Kaleidoscope Tour, we are greeted by the priests who are finishing up their breakfast in the tidy, sweet little dining hall

Every time we pass by this place, we cannot, but appreciate just how neat this place is. A place of everything... everything at its place.

Did you know which state in India the Zoroastrian community first landed in?

📷 Manjit Singh Hoonjan
All rights reserved.

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24/07/2022

Many markets in Calcutta are such a confluence of cultures from different parts of India. Calcutta being a the "big city" attracted to itself many immigrant communities from all over India. Especially from what was known as the Bengal Subah from the 16th to 18th century. (Well, we are now digressing haha!)

So this photograph from the Calcutta Flower Market is such a reflection of what we talked about. Here we see representation of Bengal, Orissa and Bihar.

Many more such gems on our Hooghly's Flower Fest Tour. Details on website. Link in bio.

📷 Manjit Singh Hoonjan
All rights reserved.

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