Port Marathon To Film Festival: What To Do In Kolkata This Weekend

In Kolkata this weekend is packed with interesting things to do? We have put together a list of events taking place in Kolkata. Art aficionados will love the exhibition and talks at the Birla Academy of Art and Culture. If you like theatre, book tickets for a thought-provoking play. Sign up for a run along the Hooghly and the heritage port area if you are looking for something more active. There's lots more.

Run A Marathon By A River

Marathons are more than just challenging races they are opportunities to push the limits of human endurance. For avid runners and adventure enthusiasts, participating in marathons amidst interesting settings can be an unforgettable experience. Enroll in Portathon, an exciting marathon run around Kolkata Port and the riverbank this weekend. There will be two categories, 14K and 7K. Get ready to run through an 8.5 km long flyover and interesting landscapes around the port area. The run is open to all. Winners will be given attractive cash prizes and gift hampers. The tentative route for the 14K is through the Garden Reach area and the iconic Kolkata Port docks. The 7K run is through Prinsep Ghat, the Hooghly riverfront, Eden Gardens, Red Road, and the Race Course.

When: January 28, 2024, 6am onwards

Where: St. Thomas, Kidderpore

To register, call +916289060295 or visit www.waiakolkata.co.in

Sail And Paint

Sign up for Sailbrush Soirée, a canvas painting workshop on the Polo Floatel, a floating hotel by the riverside. Paint alongside the tranquil waters and enjoy a complimentary cocktail as you unleash your creativity.

When: January 27, 2024. 11- 1pm and 3-5pm

Where: Polo Floatel

For reservation, call 90073 30363 / 83358 55530

An Evening Of Western Classical

Kolkata Centre for Creativity, Embassy of Switzerland in India, and Musicea Arts and Culture Council are bringing to the city a World Music Concert by Trio One World comprising the talented Lisa Schachtschneider (E-piano), Pt. Udai Mazumdar (Compositions and Tabla), and Rohan Dasgupta (Sitar). The event promises to be a mesmerising fusion of classical Indian ragas and Western classical piano. More info here.

When: January 31, 6.30pm

Where: Kolkata Centre for Creativity, Dipak Road, Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Anandapur, Adarsha Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700107

Entry is free. Reserve your seat by filling in the Google form here.

A Dose Of Art

Birla Academy of Art and Culture is holding several exhibitions, talks, workshops, and performances through February 1 to commemorate the 57th anniversary of its annual show. This features a unique display created by Bangladeshi and West Bengali bamboo cane artists. And don't miss Ranbir Kaleka's interesting talk with Ina Puri this weekend.

Where: Birla Academy of Art & Culture, 108-109, Southern Avenue, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029 India

The Best Of Meaningful Cinema

The 10th Kolkata People's Film Festival (KPFF) is back with a 5-day line-up of meaningful cinema, conversations, art and music. The KPFF is a people-supported, independent, and volunteer-led cinema festival, showcases politically committed contemporary documentary and fiction cinema from India and South Asia. In its tenth edition, KPFF presents 39 compelling stories from India and beyond. The festival also honours five documentaries that have significantly impacted India's independent documentary scene. Featuring eight films from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and two films portraying Palestine and Iran for their present-day relevance, the event explores common threads of migration, migrant worker lives, organising for dignity and survival, and resilience. The highlight will be a conversation with writer Arundhati Roy on January 25.

More info here.

When: January 24-28, 10am-9pm

Where: Uttam Mancha, 10/1/1, Manohar Pukur Road, Hazra, Kalighat Zilla, Kolkata, West Bengal 700026

Watch A Play

Five Grains of Rice is a thought-provoking play that unfolds the lives of Jayant and Ela, young professionals leading seemingly idyllic lives until an unexpected guest reappears. In this riveting tale, professional and personal worlds collide over an evening filled with nostalgia, good food, and wine. The guest’s peculiar offer sets the stage for a rollercoaster of emotions, challenging the very essence of Jayant and Ela's marriage. The play is in collaboration with Chetana and Ebong Theatrix and directed by the renowned Arindam Ghosh.

When: January 24, 2024, 6:30pm

Where: Kolkata Centre for Creativity, Dipak Road, Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Anandapur, Adarsha Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700107

Book tickets here.