Bow Barracks and Christmas in Kolkata

West Bengal, Festivals, Kolkata

Bow Barracks Christmas Kolkata

Last Updated on: Feb 16, 2024 

On a Christmas evening, we suddenly decided to visit Bow Barracks. I am talking about almost 12 years back. We were in the last year of college. That was a time when Christmas celebration had not yet become a carnival in Kolkata. Both of us grew up in Bengali families. Christmas to us was just wishing “Merry Christmas” to others and exchanging Greetings cards. We had heard that Christmas is celebrated in Bow Barracks near Bowbazar. And we also wanted to see Christmas in Kolkata.

So Agni and I, in our best dresses were off to Bowbazar on the evening of December 25, not knowing what to expect. Doesn’t the unknown excite more? All that we knew was it was Christmas and we would have a great time. That was the first time we stepped our feet on the cobbled lanes surrounded by the red brick buildings. And that was the first time we understood the true spirit of Christmas. Till then, Christmas was only about cakes and Christmas trees.

Red buildings at Bow Barracks Kolkata

Bow Barracks and the Anglo Indians

The British merchants came to India for trade in the early 17th century and settled down at the various coastal regions of the country. And after the defeat of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula in the Battle of Plassey in 1757, India came under the rule of the British Empire. Already, more and more people from Britain had started arriving in India as soldiers, doctors, engineers and officials. During the initial days, it was not quite easy for them to get used to the climate and culture of India. As they settled down, may of the British men married Indian women. The children born out of the wedlock who is of British and Indian descent were known as Anglo Indians.

Bow Barracks were originally built as barracks or quarters for the British troops during the First World War. There are one, two and three-bedroom apartments in the 7 blocks that were made. The troops were supposed to be allotted flats according to their ranks. However, the troops refused to settle down here and preferred to stay back at Fort William. It was then these quarters were offered to the Anglo Indian community, who by the time was an important part of the British workforce in India. The Anglo-Indians were seen in the important official posts as well as in the majority of clerical jobs.

After India gained independence in 1947, many Anglo Indians preferred to return back to countries like UK, USA, Canada and Australia. But many remained back and considered India to be their country and home. Anglo Indian settlements can be found in many parts of India apart from Bow Barracks in Kolkata.

Bow Barracks Kolkata

Bow Barracks was designed by Halsey Ricardo, the same person who was the architect of the iconic Howrah Bridge of Kolkata. This is the best example of minimalist architecture. The three-storeyed buildings having a square balcony are arranged in a rectangle. They have green doors and windows. Once we were there, we were transported to a different era. There are 7 blocks. I am not quite sure of the number now. There is a grotto in between the blocks. This was made later in 1967. Long back, Kolkata Improvement Trust had deliberated on demolishing the barrack. But good sense prevailed and they scrapped the idea.

About 130 families reside in these red coloured quarters now. The population of the Anglo Indians is decreasing and with that other communities have found their home in these heritage barrack area. You might find a Chinese family, a Gujarati family or a Bengali family in the midst of them. Bow Barracks is now a mini-India.

Bow Barracks Kolkata

Christmas at Bow Barrack, Kolkata | Our experience

The narrow lane is flanked by blocks of three-storeyed red-bricked buildings. The green window frames add a rustic medieval touch to the place. And don’t be surprised if you hear a Bob Dylan, John Lenon or Elves Presley at the background! The place seemed perfectly calm and at peace between mad rush of Central Avenue and Chandni just a few yards away.

The Anglo Indians are a close-knitted lot. It seems everyone knew each other in the area. They are quite friendly also. Once we arrived at Bow Barracks, the Christmas festivities were yet to start. The entire place was decorated with streamers, balloons, lights, snowflakes and silver bells. Chinese lanterns were lit up.

Christmas at Bow Barracks Kolkata

Everything looked bright and happy. We were not sure about what to do. So we just went up to a flat and rang the bell with much trepidation. We did not know at that time how the people beyond the door will react to random strangers knocking their door. The door was opened by an aged lady and she welcomed us with a smile.

You have come here for Christmas, na?” she asked us with a toothy grin.

Yes, aunty”, I replied. “And we also want to eat Christmas cakes”. I said cheekily as I could already got the mouthwatering smell of cookies emanating from the flats.

And then there was heartfelt and boisterous laughter from the lady. She ushered us into their drawing-room. We sat down there not knowing what to do. And then she brought us cakes, home-made ones. Those were some of the best cakes that we had tasted in some time. Uncle too came soon and we all started talking about this and that and Christmas. It happens that Uncle and Aunty stay at Bow Barracks and their son was in Australia. Every year he comes to home for Christmas.

Celebration at Bow Barracks Kolkata

After some hearty conversation and genuine laughter, aunty offered us some homemade wine. These wines are a speciality of Bow Barracks. If you happen to reach Bow Barracks on a Christmas, do not forget to sip a glass of the wine. After cakes and wines, we went outside. The festivities had started. People were laughing and talking. Kids were running all around. And then there was an area where people were dancing. There was complete fun, chaos and reverie at Bow Barracks. Cakes, cookies and wine were served. Happiness and fun was infectious. And we felt that we were among friends. Aunty and Uncle wanted us to stay and dance the whole night with them! Such is the spirit of Bow Barracks Christmas. They share the joy of Christmas with everyone who visits there.

We danced our hearts out at Bow Barracks and met so many people there. There was a dance competition to be held, but it was at midnight. All those who were present there asked us to stay back for the dance. But I had to return home for the night. Somewhat reluctantly, but with fond memories, we left Bow Barracks.

Red walls and green windows at Bow Barracks

Bow Barracks, Kolkata | Where Santa comes riding a rickshaw

Every year, the heritage quarters of Bow Barracks and the Anglo Indian community has been celebrating the birth of Jesus with food and fun. Christmas is incomplete with Santa Claus and his goodies. Here the red-robed Santa comes riding a typical Kolkata hand-pulled rickshaw. Anyone, who has seen such a rickshaw, can well imagine how funny Santa would look in a rickshaw.

Bow Barracks Kolkata

Christmas Celebration at Bow Barracks, Kolkata

Christmas festivities start at Bow Barracks from 23rd December and continue till 1st January. The buildings are decorated with lights and streamers. A canopy of lights makes the place look ethereal. And the Christmas carols are played. A large stage is erected in the middle of the road for musical performances. Dance competitions are also held. Many relatives of the residents of Bow Barracks who are living outside India visit them during this period.

The grotto is decorated in a beautiful way. The Christmas tree with all its trinket and decorations stands prettily. You will find a shining star on the balcony of every house. Street parties, housie games, goody baskets and Christmas feasts are all arranged by collecting money from each household of the area. Recently, I had been to Bilaspur and attended an Anglo Indian party there. The experience there totally reminded me of the revelry at Bow Barracks.

Grotto decorated during Christmas at Bow Barracks

Dancing starts in the late evening. Couple dancing is the most famous one here. While local bands play music, the residents dance to the melodious tunes. Dance competitions are also held. Yes, the paper dance for couples is a favourite! For senior citizens, there are bingo, musical chairs and dances. The year-end dance at SFX Church Hall starts at night and continues till the next morning. You can see posters for the various programs pasted on the walls that also include Christmas Ball and 2 days of floodlight soccer tournament.

Christmas gifts at Bow Barracks Kolkata

The best part, however, is that the community celebrates the joy of Christmas with everyone. The community celebrates Christmas with the lesser privileged children of the society, irrespective of their religion. Food and gifts are distributed and various games are arranged for these children. The Christmas tree is decorated especially for these children.

Children race at Bow Barracks Kolkata

The local residents set up food stalls in the area and you can taste some amazing home-made fruit cakes, cookies and wines. With the dwindling population of the Anglo Indians, other communities have also settled down in the area. That influence can be now seen in the food stalls.

Bow Barracks, a place tucked in the heart of Kolkata near Bow Bazar celebrates the spirit of Christmas with aplomb.  This place is a confluence of heritage and culture. Kolkata is definitely a nurturer of cultures and traditions of various kinds. Yuletide celebration takes place with great pomp and show these days in Kolkata, especially at Park Street. But the charm of Bow Barracks will never decline. It will always celebrate the true spirit of Christmas.

Christmas decoration at Bow Barracks Kolkata

Celebrating Christmas at Bow Barracks is something we would remember always. It is not just a festival, it is the spirit of the place, its people. Bow Barracks spread love and joy through this festival. So why not spend the Christmas eve at Bow Barracks? It will be a different experience altogether! We had been there almost 12 years back. After that, we had spent all our Christmas away from Kolkata, because of work. This year, we will be in Kolkata and plan to visit Bow Barracks during Christmas. We just want to see how much has changed in all these years. Or is it still the same?

Jawa ride at Kolkata

How to reach Bow Barracks

Bow Barracks is situated off the Chittaranjan Avenue (C R Avenue) just behind the Bowbazar Police Station. If you are taking a bus, get off at C R Avenue and walk down.

The best way to reach is by taking a Metro. Get off at Chandni Chowk Metro Station and it is a 5-minute walk from there.

Bow Barracks Kolkata

Trivia

  • Renowned Bengali Filmmaker, Anjan Dutt had made a film on the life of the people at Bow Barracks named “Bow Barracks Forever”. However, do not believe whatever the film shows. Many residents were not happy with the film’ content.
  • Bow Barracks is also known for local hockey tournament held during the summer afternoon.

Please remember:

The Anglo-Indians are a friendly lot. But of late, Bow Barracks have seen footfalls of a lot of photographers. Some of them do not prefer intrusion in their daily life. So if you are taking pictures, it is best to take permission from them.

Christmas at bow Barracks

Agni Amrita Travel Blogger

Agni Amrita

We are Agni and Amrita, the 2 Backpackers embarked on the adventure of life together. In between, travel makes us happy as we explore offbeat places and Untold Stories.

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23 Comments

  1. I used to go there in my youth, but no one can tell me why the name say so ‘Bow Barracks’ and ‘Bow Street’? Who or what is Bow? Can you tell me was ‘Bow Bazar’ named in the same way?

    Thanks.

    Reply
  2. I knew nothing about the Anglo-Indian community. What an interesting read, I hope with all of my heart that I can visit someday. Great blog!

    Reply
    • Thank you Stephanie! I too wish that you visit this part of the world some time.

      Reply
  3. This is one unique Christmas experience but I love the sense of togetherness and the activities that they have. It’s far from commercialism that has taken most of our celebrations. My son would be delighted to with the idea of a floodlight soccer tournament.

    Reply
    • I am sure he will enjoy it. Thank you Clarice.

      Reply
  4. Hey, this is a nice heritage spot that you have shared. I did know of Anglo-Indians but did not know of these kind of community space that they have. It was nice reading about the history of the place and how it came about. And to see the Indian version of Santa would be so much fun too. Thanks for sharing this and I will be sure to visit it when I am in Kolkata next!

    Reply
    • Thank you Ami. Even I am curious to see Santa coming in a hand-pulled rickshaw. Missed it the last time we visited.

      Reply
  5. I haven’t heard about this place, this sounds like a great place to visit on Christmas. Thanks for sharing this

    Reply
    • Thank you Fae!

      Reply
  6. I have been well acquainred with Anglo Indians from the time i started working with many of them . It’s always so around this time i get my stalk of Ginger and grape wine from few of my anglo frds ..its a different vibe to witness christmas at Bow Barracks ..I know the feeling which runs wild through every calcuttans who loves to mingle out there .

    Reply
    • I am sure you know! And then there is Park Street! 😀

      Reply
  7. Bow Barracks looks very interesting place to visit. Good to know it was designed by Halsey Ricardo who is the same person who was the architect of the iconic Howrah Bridge of Kolkata. And it would be good to see all Christmas festivities which start at Bow Barracks from 23rd December to 1st January. Seeing canopy of lights must be beautiful here and listening to all Christmas carols. As couple dancing here is famous, would love dance with my husband. Thanks for sharing something unique.

    Reply
    • Thank you Yukti! These people will be really happy and welcome you for a dance.

      Reply
  8. Wow that is a new angle! So interesting and courageous of you to knock on their doors. A good way to make new friends.
    Very keen to know what has changed around there. Looking forward to your update.

    Reply
    • Now that we think, it was indeed done on an impulse. We were young and had more courage. I would probably not do that now! Thank you for the lovely comment!

      Reply
  9. Oh wow! I can imagine that excitement that you had 12 years ago. I have fond memories of Anglo-Indian teachers wearing dresses (compared to others in saree), their style of speaking English, they had such a charm about them…
    Haha… Its funny how it was ‘normal’ for a stranger to knock their door and ask to celebrate Chritmas and eat cakes!!!! Its must have been such a thrilling experience for you!
    I can’t imagine a Santa Claus in a rickshaw… I need to see it to believe it!

    Reply
    • I know, those days were a bit different. 12 years is a long time. I am also curious to see Santa riding a rickshaw. Last time we missed it!

      Reply
  10. How great to get your first Christmas holiday experience at Bow Barracks. It does look like a magical holiday scene you walked into. I can’t imagine the feeling of being welcomed into the house of a stranger with a big smile. And an offer of cakes! Good to have some wine before heading into the street of chaos. I would love to see Santa arrive by rickshaw! I hope you get the same wonderful experience on your return.

    Reply
    • We hope that too. Thank you for the lovely comment.

      Reply
  11. What a great insight in Bow Barracks. I am British but never heard of them (nor have I been to India), but recently I have researched a lot about the Brits in India under the British Empire, and so forth. I never heard of the term of ‘Anglo-Indians’ so that was a new one on me, and I am glad that you explained this as well. Would love to check out this place, not just for christmas, but the history and culture around.

    Reply
    • Thank you Danik! I am glad that you liked it. If anytime you are in India, especially Kolkata, I will be happy to help you around.

      Reply
  12. Every year I think of visiting the place, but it always goes awry 🙁 Thanks for sharing the pictures and info…

    Reply
  13. Thanks for sharing. Will definitely try to go there, this year. Merry Christmas in advance 🙂

    Reply

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