I had the same overwhelming feeling yesterday when I went to St. Paul’s. The streets were crowded. Humans of all ages, from itty-bitty ones to elderly-very elderly ones were all out in shining, shimmering, festive gear. Calcutta too was all dressed up. Every footpath either had an array of mind-boggling refreshments, or an assortment of handmade Christmas knick knacks from reindeer hairbands to Santa caps, to add to the festive cheer. Not an inch of space was to be seen on the roads. It was like a large river of moving lights and people wanting to experience the magic of Christmas. And believe me, there was magic in the air. How else could one explain the crowds at bus stops and not a single child crying? Bus routes had been reorganized so that pedestrians could move around safely enjoying themselves. I did not see any trace of irritation on anyone’s face. Nor was there a sense of haste. Everyone was quite happily and peacefully moving around enjoying being out with friends and family.
There wasn’t an inch of space in St.Paul’s either in the huge front yard or in the Church. And yet, there was no impatience on anyone’s face!!!! People moved in an orderly way to see the Nativity scene, and others walked around enjoying the very palpable Christmas atmosphere.
On my way out, I saw something which made me catch my breath. A family was wheeling a stretcher bed with a lady on it. All the girls in the family were dressed up, makeup included, and the lady in the wheeled stretcher was also beautifully dressed and made-up. They were going to St. Paul’s. The crowd parted to let the family through, but noone looked pointedly either at the lady on the stretcher, or at any of the other family members. It was as if this was a common sight… an acceptance of all people regardless of… a celebration in which everyone was participating….
And this is why I LOVE Calcutta. Whether it is the Pujas, or Eid, or Christmas, everyone, but everyone is out to celebrate. I used the word celebrate because I want to stress that it was not just having fun, it was a recognition, acknowledgement, and honouring of the innate humanness of every Calcuttan regardless of the labels insecure, evil, and wily politicians try to divide us with…