Kolkata Maidan is a big draw for people from many walks of life. Maidan means open space. Integral to Kolkata’s landscape and landmarks, the 400-hectare sprawling park stretches from the Eden Gardens and Raj Bhavan in the north to the Victoria Memorial in the south and from the Park Street and Chowringhee in the east to the Hooghly River in the west.

A Brief History of Maidan

Maidan was once a jungle inhabited by tigers. With the passage of time, it was cleared and a vast grassy stretch, today’s Maidan, was born. The British developed the Maidan as a parade ground for their army. Even today, it is owned by the Indian army.

Maidan – Shades & Silence for Souls

The place is a piece of paradise in the City of Joy. Maidanlooks, feels and sounds busy throughout the daytime hours. As the clock ticks past 12 A.M and the city enjoys its goodnight's sleep, Maidan slips into darkness and silence. The lights and shades of the street lamps add depth, darkness and character to Maidan, making it look mysterious.  

I love the shades and silence of Maidan during the summer days. It feels like an oasis in the scorching heat. In the spring, the cool breeze brings solace to my tired body and soul. I feel like taking a nap in its lap. So soothing an experience!

Maidan does not frustrate me in winter. Kolkata does not experience numbing cold. However, on the days when the mercury drops to a single digit or scores a perfect ten, the lukewarm sunshine sweeping across the Maidan gives me warm hugs. Or is it I who hug the sun on the Maidan for the love and warmth I always crave? In either case, I feel a deep bond with Maidan.

The bonding gets deeper with every passing year. I explore both the vastness and vacuum. I love experiencing its changing colours and characters from dawn to dusk. I am all ears to its noise and eager to decipher its silence. I watch it adapting to the layers of everyday life, while still preserving its identity with pride and prejudice. To me, contrasts make it complete and captivating and it feels satisfaction in simplicity and saturation.

A Safe House / Heaven for Ghosts

There are rumours some Gora Ghosts (Ghosts of some Brits) inhabit the Maidan and its surrounding areas. The daredevils, who are ready to go any length to prove or refute paranormal activities, can try their luck at Maidan at night.

A few unfortunates, who had no way but to travel near the Maidan at midnight, were fortunate to remain alive and tell everyone about the ghost of a British officer. According to their kahani, the officer rides on a horse-driven cartel roams on the nearby streets. Some people claim to have noticed and/or experienced paranormal activities during the wee hours of the morning. So, Maidan embraces everyone with equanimity. “Zindagikisathbhi, zindagikibaadbhi”! Haina?

Maidan – A Familiar & Favourite Ground for Sports and Political Rallies

Eden Gardens, the biggest cricketing venue in the world, is opposite the Kolkata Maidan. The playground is Kolkata’s pride. Maidan itself is a favourite ground for amateur footballers and cricketers. One can see young boys playing in Maidan early in the morning. There are several patches in Maidan for playing. During the winter days, matches continue till the afternoon. The sights of tall statues of many sports celebrities at Maidan prove the city’s love for sports.

Maidan is home to many sports clubs. The elite clubs have wooden galleries for their fans. The three stalwarts of Kolkata football – East Bengal, Mohan Bagan and Mohammedan – have a conspicuous presence on Maidan. However, some names like Rangers have faded. The Maidan also houses some lower-rung clubs which have not much fan following though they contributed significantly to the city’s football craziness and delivered some shocking results. A few office clubs – yes, they are also there.

The Brigade Parade Ground also hosts political rallies. Crowds gather in large numbers. These days, political rallies have become festive celebrations as Biryani has become a star attraction for the crowds than the BandeMataram cry.

Maidan – A Magnet for Tourists   

Maidan is an important spot in Kolkata’s landscape. It is a big attraction for tourists. Lots of greeneries at the heart of the city have earned Maidan the nickname - “Lungs of Kolkata”. From Maidan, one can take a cultural tour to Birla Planetarium, Academy of Fine Arts, Nandan and RabindraSadan. With the landmarks like the Royal Calcutta Golf Club, Kolkata Race Course, Eden Gardens, and a few historical sites, Maidan is one of the famous destinations for Kolkata-bound tourists.

MaidanThrough My Lens

I have done a series on Maidan. I took these photos in the early morning. In the dawn, especially during the winter months, the Maidan looks more mystic to me. People doing yoga, enjoying brisk walks or jogging, some youngsters playing cricket and a few police officers riding on horses, the sun peeping from behind the skyscrapers, a glimpse of Victoria Memorial through the fog–I have tried to cover different shades of Maidan in the morning.

Trees, with their naked branches or dense webs of leaves, look surreal against the backdrop of the misty morning sky. A day-long drama to unfold! I love the stage and the unknown actors.