Kolkata’s streets pulse with history, but after the sun sets, much of its architectural grandeur fades into darkness. That’s changing now. Thanks to the Illumination Project, led by Mudar Patherya and like-minded citizens, the city’s historic structures are being illuminated. CT spoke to the man behind it and also gathered perspectives from those who conduct heritage walks and participate in them to know more about the initiative.
An initiative that engages with the city’s past
The Illumination Project, launched in 2023, was fueled by Mudar’s desire to reveal the hidden beauty of Kolkata’s heritage buildings. “I had painted the Maniktala dome, but no one could see it at night. That was the game changer,” he recalls. The initiative is not just about lighting buildings – it reconnects the city with its architectural legacy. “It’s a transformation that inspires the locals to engage with the city’s past,” says Mudar.
What started with illumination has now evolved into a restoration project. As soon as the clock strikes six in the evening, the buildings look magical
– Mudar Patherya, activist
Heritage walks transformed by illumination
Abhijit Dhar Chowdhury says the glow of the buildings has brought new life to heritage walks, traditionally limited to daylight hours. “Now, these walks have a magical allure with glowing structures serving as dramatic backdrops to stories of Kolkata’s colonial past,” says Abhijit, adding, “Illumination is one step up when it comes to portraying our city’s heritage. It makes the buildings look beautiful, which were otherwise not visible at night.”
Illumination makes history feel closer and more real. We share trivias with guests, for them to understand the building in the context of our city’s past – Abhijit Dhar Chowdhury, founder of a heritage walk group in the city
A new perspective on Kolkata’s beauty
Bratin Chakravorty, a techno-commercial professional who enjoys city walks with his wife says, “It was like the buildings were whispering secrets you’d miss in daylight,” noting how details, like intricate carvings on columns and domes has come to life under the night lights. The lighting not only enhanced the city’s beauty but also made it feel more welcoming, especially for women and the elderly, simultaneously providing new photography opportunities for enthusiasts. “The spotlights on domes create depth against the night sky, adding a sense of grandeur,” Bratin concludes.
Heritage buildings in the spotlight
A total of 68 buildings & establishments have been illuminated across the length and breadth of the city. Some of the most significant ones are:
An initiative that engages with the city’s past
The Illumination Project, launched in 2023, was fueled by Mudar’s desire to reveal the hidden beauty of Kolkata’s heritage buildings. “I had painted the Maniktala dome, but no one could see it at night. That was the game changer,” he recalls. The initiative is not just about lighting buildings – it reconnects the city with its architectural legacy. “It’s a transformation that inspires the locals to engage with the city’s past,” says Mudar.
What started with illumination has now evolved into a restoration project. As soon as the clock strikes six in the evening, the buildings look magical
– Mudar Patherya, activist
Heritage walks transformed by illumination
Abhijit Dhar Chowdhury says the glow of the buildings has brought new life to heritage walks, traditionally limited to daylight hours. “Now, these walks have a magical allure with glowing structures serving as dramatic backdrops to stories of Kolkata’s colonial past,” says Abhijit, adding, “Illumination is one step up when it comes to portraying our city’s heritage. It makes the buildings look beautiful, which were otherwise not visible at night.”
Illumination makes history feel closer and more real. We share trivias with guests, for them to understand the building in the context of our city’s past – Abhijit Dhar Chowdhury, founder of a heritage walk group in the city
A new perspective on Kolkata’s beauty
Bratin Chakravorty, a techno-commercial professional who enjoys city walks with his wife says, “It was like the buildings were whispering secrets you’d miss in daylight,” noting how details, like intricate carvings on columns and domes has come to life under the night lights. The lighting not only enhanced the city’s beauty but also made it feel more welcoming, especially for women and the elderly, simultaneously providing new photography opportunities for enthusiasts. “The spotlights on domes create depth against the night sky, adding a sense of grandeur,” Bratin concludes.
Heritage buildings in the spotlight
A total of 68 buildings & establishments have been illuminated across the length and breadth of the city. Some of the most significant ones are:
- Maniktala market
- Sri Sri Kalachand Iswar Jiu temple
- BK Paul residence
- Raj Bhavan
- Eastern Railway HQ
- GPO
- Port clock tower
- Stephen Court
- Chowringhee Mansions
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Kanak buildings
- Greek Orthodox Church
- Alipore zoo
- Old mint building
- Academy of Fine Arts
- Geological Survey of India building
- St James’ Church
- Maghen David synagogue
- Akashvani Bhavan
Pics: Anindya Saha
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