On Christmas Eve, the vibrant heart of Kolkata, Park Street, transformed into the city's largest open-air celebration zone, bringing central Kolkata to a joyful standstill. The iconic boulevard, famed for its festive spirit, witnessed an unprecedented influx of revellers, leading authorities to close it for vehicular traffic at 8.25 pm as crowds spilled onto the streets.
A Moving Carnival of Lights and Music
From as early as 5 pm, waves of people began descending upon the brilliantly illuminated stretch. Families, groups of friends, and youngsters, many travelling from distant neighbourhoods and adjoining districts, converged to create a packed celebration of lights, music, and merriment. The crowd, adorned in Santa caps, antler headbands, devil horns, and flashing LED accessories, turned the entire boulevard into a moving, pulsating carnival.
Pavements on both sides were packed to capacity, leaving little room to navigate. Revellers frequently paused to capture selfies and group photographs against the stunning backdrop of festooned trees and glowing buildings. The air was filled with laughter, Christmas carols, and bursts of music, crafting an atmosphere uniquely known as the "Park Street Christmas" experience.
Voices from the Festive Crowd
For many, being part of this tradition is non-negotiable. Swastika Seth, who came from Chinar Park with friends, stated that finding a small pocket of space felt like an achievement. "Christmas at Park Street is more than a festival. It is an experience that reinvents itself every year," she said, admiring the overhead decorations which she found more attractive than ever.
Adwitia Sukanya Bhattacharya, a resident of Hazra, highlighted the inclusive spirit of the event. "People of different faiths come together here with equal excitement. Park Street takes on a new avatar every Christmas, and I make it a point to be a part of it every year," she remarked, nodding to Kolkata's colonial history that shaped these traditions.
Even daily visitors found the transformation magical. Rubai Bhattacharya from Janbazar, wearing a Santa cap, walked nearly 2 km to join the festivities. "I come here almost daily for work, but this is the time of the year when the street looks completely different. The festive mood pulls you in," he shared.
First-time visitor S K Aiman from North Dum Dum was mesmerised. "Lights, music, and food together create a magical spell. Christmas here feels like hope, kindness, and togetherness," he expressed.
Massive Security and Traffic Arrangements
The celebration required meticulous planning and a strong security presence. To manage the enormous pedestrian flow, police barricaded both sides of the road to create two separate walking channels, allowing some traffic to move through the middle lane initially. Around 3,000 police personnel were deployed till late night, with senior officers including DCs and Additional CPs monitoring arrangements on the ground.
Authorities set up three checkpoints between Park Street and Mullickbazar, enforcing traffic rules with spot penalties. A dedicated team of 250 women police personnel, including members from the Winners unit, detective department, and south division, was fielded to swiftly address any complaints, particularly regarding harassment in key zones like Park Street, Science City, and Alipore zoo.
Despite these measures, the sheer volume of people meant many revellers spilled onto the carriageway, keeping police personnel constantly alert. The congestion on Park Street spilled over to major arterial roads including SN Banerjee Road and Esplanade East Road, affecting traffic flow in central Kolkata.
As the night progressed, Park Street remained packed, its energy undiminished. The bustling scene reaffirmed its undisputed status as the beating heart of Kolkata's Christmas Eve celebrations—a vibrant, chaotic, and unmistakably festive tradition that continues to captivate the city year after year.
