Is it a book? The Kolkata Official Adda Book 1!

I don't know if it is review-able or not! Or even if it is actually a book! But whatever may be the genre, I absolutely loved it! Its a definite collectible if you love Kolkata, know Kolkata and still love Kolkata, sometimes are disgusted by Kolkata and still prefer to live in Kolkata! :)

This is the 'Kolkata Official Adda book 1'. 'Adda' means 'leisurely conversations', but I am sorry! It ain't a proper definition Charlie! Let me explain...

Me, my best friend, his pre-school friend whom I had never met until today, my uncle, his son, his girlfriend, her best friend, my parents, my best-friend's parents, my grandfather all are by some chance are together in our 'baithak-khana' (drawing room) and the Bangali's bangaliyana starts!

Pic. Kolkata Official Adda Book 1

Can you somewhere identify with that? Even if your are a Lucknowi, or an aamchi Mumbaikar, a Greek or any human tribe practised in the art of leisurely 'adda'? Yes, this is 'adda'! And you, if you are in love with Kolkata, will identify with this. If not, its a treasure for a prospective tourist.

Do you go back to the nostalgic spirit when you again see a page of 'sandesh' (not the sweet, but Manik da's magazine!)?

And Manik da? You prefer him to Satyajit Ray, right?

Sukumar Sen- the mathematician turned civil-servant, who designed and supervised independent India's first ever general elections. Did you know about him? No? Are you agonised that people don't know his name even though moments before you had never heard of him? Yes?

Does the new year's eve customary 'Nahoum and sons', a necessity for the upcoming year to be pleasant for you? Does that lingering aroma waters your mouth now as you think of it? Do you wish Frispo's was back? Yes?

Do you say, "ektu side deben" even in metro instead of "excuse me"? Yes?

Do you still think that the Delhi, and now the Mumbai, Bangalore metro rails are not 'authentic' enough, and are in love with the single-occupancy window seats of the musical Girish Park trams? Yes?

Most yes-es? Yes? Okay. Then this book or diary or book that looks like a diary, is a collectible you must have. 

It's true that I- the so called reviewer is overtly romantic, but I am a 'Calcatian' in love with both Calcutta and Kolkata. So, can't help it.

And lastly, I once said this exact line to a friend of mine who scoffed and made faces. If you have read till here, I don't think you will do it too. 

"Kolkata is a feeling, not just a city. You don't just grow in this city. Slowly, this city grows on you."

Enough said. Now read. Hallelujah!

And yes, I give 'The Kolkata Official Adda Book 1' full five stars!

Happy reading! :)