Kolkata's Night Lights: A New Shine for Heritage

Tue Oct 21 2025 05:47:20 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Explore how Kolkata is transforming into a dazzling nightscape, reminiscent of Paris, thanks to a local initiative that illuminates its historic buildings.

Kolkata is undergoing a nighttime transformation through the Kolkata Illumination Project, which lights up the city's historical landmarks. This citizen-driven initiative is rejuvenating the architectural heritage of the city, offering residents and tourists a new perspective on its beauty after dark. The project not only aims to restore the beauty of Kolkata but also fosters a sense of pride in the city’s rich history and architecture.

As the air-conditioned bus weaves through the bustling traffic of the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, tour leader Sujoy Sen lists the many sights on the itinerary. It sounds like a snapshot of the city's cosmopolitan history - colonial buildings like the General Post Office and former British viceroy’s mansion, Hindu and Jain temples, Greek Orthodox and Portuguese churches, and historic homes of freedom fighters and local merchants.

But unlike most heritage tours, this one happens after sundown, focusing on the lights illuminating the buildings rather than just history or architecture.

The Kolkata Illumination Project, a recent addition to the many heritage tours, has drawn attention from locals and tourists alike. Mr. Sen, who runs the tour company, discovered how a group of city enthusiasts aimed to light up grand yet neglected heritage buildings. He was inspired to show others that Kolkata could sparkle like Paris at night.

Participants, like Himanjali Sankar, are awed by the transformation. It is like they are coming alive, reclaiming their grandeur, she comments.

The initiative has blossomed under the leadership of Mudar Patherya, who is part of a citizens’ group called Kolkata Restorers. What started with a simple goal of restoring visibility to a covered dome led to a broader ambition to illuminate the city's history.

Patherya currently manages around 92 buildings, using a simple funding model where property owners only cover electricity costs while the project takes care of the rest. The lighting strategies are refined through trial and error to ensure the historical details are enhanced and showcased correctly.

One significant challenge in this restoration project is dealing with the physical state of the buildings. Often in disrepair, these structures need comprehensive restoration before illumination. For instance, the 150-year-old Hogg Market clock required extensive repairs before it could once again chime joyfully around the city.

Overall, Kolkata Restorers are not simply illuminating buildings but embracing a mission to restore pride in Kolkata’s unique heritage. With an eclectic mix of architectural styles, the city's history offers rich rewards for those who seek beauty in its nightscape. Mr. Patherya hopes to light up 200 buildings, transforming Kolkata into one of India’s most enchanting cities at night.