Languages Spoken in Kolkata – A Comprehensive Guide

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the cultural capital of India and the capital city of West Bengal. The city is home to over 14.85 million people and is the third most populous metropolitan area in India. Kolkata has a rich history and culture and has been an important center for literature, music, art, and cinema in India. The city is a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and languages spoken by people from all over the world. In this blog post, we will explore the different languages spoken in Kolkata.

Bengali – The Official Language of Kolkata

Bengali is the official language of Kolkata and West Bengal. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in India and is the sixth most spoken language in the world. Bengali is a language with a rich literary tradition and has produced many famous writers, poets, and artists. Bengali is also the primary language spoken by the majority of people in Kolkata.

English – The Business Language of Kolkata

English is also a commonly spoken and understood language in Kolkata. It is the language of business and commerce and is used by people from all walks of life, including government officials, business people, and professionals. English is also one of the official languages of India and is taught in schools and universities throughout the country.

Hindi – The National Language of India

Hindi is the national language of India, and although it is not as widely spoken in Kolkata as it is in other parts of India, it is still a commonly spoken language. Hindi is the fourth most spoken language in the world, and it is also taught in schools and universities throughout India.

Urdu – The Language of the Muslim Community

Urdu is a language spoken by the Muslim community in Kolkata. It is the fifth most spoken language in the world and has a rich literary tradition. Urdu is a language that is closely related to Hindi, but it uses Arabic script rather than the Devanagari script used in Hindi. Urdu is taught in schools and universities throughout India.

Punjabi – The Language of the Sikh Community

Punjabi is the language of the Sikh community in Kolkata. It is one of the official languages of India and is mainly spoken in the northern part of the country. Punjabi is the tenth most spoken language in the world and has a rich literary tradition. Punjabi is also taught in schools and universities throughout India.

Other Regional Languages

Apart from the languages mentioned above, there are also several other regional languages spoken in Kolkata. These include Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, and Oriya. These languages are mainly spoken by people from different parts of India who have migrated to Kolkata.

Conclusion

Kolkata is a city with a rich cultural history and diversity, and this is reflected in the languages spoken by its people. Bengali is the official language of Kolkata, but English is also widely spoken and understood. Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi are also spoken by different communities in the city, and there are also several other regional languages spoken by people from different parts of India. Understanding the different languages spoken in Kolkata can help you appreciate the city’s cultural diversity and build better relationships with its people.

Languages Spoken in Kolkata – A Comprehensive Guide

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the cultural hub of India and the capital of the state of West Bengal. The city is known for its rich history, art, intellectualism, and delicious cuisine. It is considered to be one of the most populous cities in India, making it a melting pot of cultures. Because of this, Kolkata is home to several languages. In this insider’s guide, we will walk through the diverse cultures and attractions in Kolkata that tourists should experience.

Local Attractions

Kolkata is a hub of historic landmarks, weather buildings, parks and museums. Some of the must-visit tourist spots in Kolkata include the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Indian Museum. For those more interested in the city’s modern side, The Science City is an excellent destination, and Eco Tourism park is a favourite among families.

If you would like to learn more about the cultural attractions of the city, head to the Jorasanko Thakur Bari, which is the ancestral home of Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore. You can also visit the Marble Palace Mansion, which is a museum. Do not miss out on a visit to the Botanical Gardens, which is the oldest botanical garden in India and the second-oldest in the world.

Dining Spots

Kolkata is famous for its street food. The must-try items include Puchka, Jhalmuri, Ghugni Chaat, Kathi Rolls and Sondesh, to name a few. You can enjoy these delights from the street food stalls located around Park Street, the New Market, and the locality named, Dalhousie. For a more upscale dining experience, head to Oh! Calcutta and Bhojohori Manna.

Cultural Experiences

Kolkata is known as the cultural capital of India. The city has a rich history of literature, music, dance, and theatre. If you are interested in music, you must-visit some Bengali live music concerts and college fests. People who enjoy literature can head towards Boimela, the Kolkata Book Fair, which is one of the largest in Asia. As for dance and theatre, you can appreciate the shows hosted at the Rabindra Sadan and the Academy of Fine Arts.

Local History

Kolkata was founded in the 17th century and has played a significant role in the history of India. The Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British colonised Bengal at different times, and until 1911, Kolkata was the capital of British India. To get a closer look at Kolkata’s history, you can visit the Victoria Memorial, the Indian Museum, and the Netaji Bhawan. Another favorite spot is the St. John’s Church, which is one of the oldest cathedrals in Kolkata.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Kolkata is full of hidden jewels, and many are lesser-known to tourists. Ekante Island in Eco Park is a massive picnic spot and ideal for cycling trails. If you want a break from the metropolitan Lifestyle, you may want to venture into rural Bengal to experience the local flora and fauna. You can explore the Sunderbans or take a trip to see the traditional small-scale potters and local sweets prodcution businesses in Krishnanagar. On the north side of Kolkata, you will find the murals at Baranagar, a throwback to the Bengali folk tales of yesteryears.

To Sum Up

Kolkata is an experience that dazzles the senses and captures the heart of every traveller who visits. The city’s rich language diversity, cultural landmarks, cuisine, and off-the-beaten-path treasures offers a chance to explore Indian culture and the Bengali way of life. Follow our insider’s guide to Kolkata for a deeper insight into the city’s beauty that will make your trip an unforgettable experience.