Which City Is Known As The City Of Joy?

City of Joy: Some cities in India are known not merely for their geography or beauty but for their emotion and spirit. The ‘City of Joy’ is one title that is about people, stories, and soul. Curious about what that's all about? Read on to learn more about why this is called the ‘City of Joy’.

Which city is called the City of Joy?

Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, is the capital of the state of West Bengal in India. The city has a rich cultural heritage, colonial style buildings, delicious street food, writers, music, and, of course, the fabulous people. Kolkata, a city that offers such diverse tradition and modernity, became known as the ‘City of Joy’.

What does City of Joy mean?

The term ‘City of Joy’ captures all the active life, intellectual energy, and festive nature of the people of Kolkata. Whether it was the celebrations of Durga Puja, Book fairs, or Movie festivals, joy is alive and dancing in every street, neighbourhood and corner café of this beautiful city in India.

Where does this name come from?

The name “City of Joy” was coined from the name of a book written by French Novelist Dominique Lapierre called The City of Joy published in 1985. The novel centers on the troubles of life in Kolkata.

What Makes Kolkata Special?

Kolkata is home to India's oldest metro railway system, the Howrah Bridge, which is arguably the country's most famous bridge. Kolkata is also well-known for desserts like sandesh and rasgulla and famous authors like Satyajit Ray and Rabindranath Tagore. The city represents a curious blend of colonial past with a progressive mindset.

Why Is It Called The City of Joy?

In spite of its many struggles, the people of Kolkata remain connected to the world of art, education, food, and culture today. In many ways, it is this emotional depth and connectedness that adds to the joy found in the city. 

What Is Important About This Name?

The notion of 'city of joy' encompasses Kolkata’s ability to find joy and expressivity even when facing adversities. Not just passive emotion, the people of the city thrive on their connectedness with others, its artistic expressions, and many festivals.

City Of Joy in Popular Culture

Dominique Lapierre's novel, City of Joy, was published in 1985. Roland Joffé turned it into a movie in 1992. Calcutta is known as "the City of Joy" because of this.

Interesting Facts about Kolkata

• Kolkata was the capital of British India until 1911, and it still has many buildings from the colonial period that remain standing.
• It is the home of the biggest book fair in Asia - The Kolkata Book Fair.
• The city’s tram system is the oldest operating tram system in Asia.
• The Durga Puja of Kolkata is recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
• Kolkata’s College Street is the largest second-hand book market in the world. 
• It is the birthplace of many iconic personalities like Swami Vivekananda and Mother Teresa.