Chess, Chandeliers & Campaigns: Ballygunge’s Street of Many Stories
Gariahat in South Kolkata is a hub of culture, tradition, and politics. The 24/7 chess club beneath the flyover brings together generations of players, fostering talent and hosting visits from grandmasters like Hikaru Nakamura and Ding Liren. Nearby, the iconic Ekdalia Evergreen Durga Puja retains its old-world charm with opulent lighting and hand-pulled rickshaws.The late Subrata Mukherjee, veteran TMC politician and former Kolkata mayor, shaped much of Gariahat’s cultural identity. Today, his legacy continues in the Ballygunge elections as local leaders run campaigns without their mentor, while ensuring the Puja retains its grandeur and community spirit.