As a visitor, I'd seen this phrase 'Brigade Chalo' scrawled on every available space on every wall of the city. I soon learnt what it meant - that the 'Brigade' was the parade ground or the maidan. This maidan is a fabulous place - originally created by the Brits as a buffer zone to protect Fort William. The maidan is known as Calcutta's lungs! Now it has become a recreational area for the people of Calcutta. There are many sports clubs, mainly football clubs, but you can also see a lot of cricket being played by all age groups. During the kite season, this is a wonderful place to fly your kite. Colorful sheep graze, and you are likely to see a donkey or two as well, lazily moving around. The maidan is used for walks, and for lounging under the beautiful shady trees. Children can have pony rides, and there are also country-made merry-go-rounds for the little ones. The ubiquitous phuchka-wallahs have their baskets and trays all along the road, along with the ice-lolly stands and other utterly dubious but utterly delicious and totally charming street food stalls. (Oh how I love Cal!). Anyway, this maidan, or Brigade ground is also the place where wonderfully colorful political rallies are held. The photographs show people from the villages coming in and on buses. There is an assortment of transport that brings people of all age groups - from the old to little babies, all decked up in their finery for a day in the city. The buses are decked with flags and banners, and it is all very festive! It is another matter to ask what the government has done for these people. It is a rally day, and a day off from the regular everyday chores in the BIG city! Check out the man in the black tee on top of the bus in the second picture. I was fascinated to see that he is wearing a cross on a chain around his neck! I guess that is the spirit of Bengal, and which I hope will never die -