The Pawtner Carnival made its exciting debut in Kolkata on Sunday. Curated in association with Calcutta Times, the event drew a large crowd of more than 1,200 visitors. Over 250 registered paw babies joined the fun, making it a memorable day for pet lovers across the city.
Fun, Fur, and Fashion Take Center Stage
Nandini and Ronit Mitra curated this special playdate, pampering session, and party all rolled into one. The carnival brought together pet parents, fur babies, dog trainers, veterinarians, groomers, walkers, and pet-care experts. It created a vibrant community gathering focused on animal welfare and enjoyment.
Paw Babies Strut Their Stuff on the Ramp
On one hand, paw babies confidently strutted down the ramp alongside their proud parents. They wore elaborate and cute outfits, showcasing pet fashion at its best. On the other hand, activity zones buzzed with excitement throughout the day.
Fur babies leapt through hoops and tackled hurdles with enthusiasm. They followed scent trails in the Sniffari Treasure Hunt, engaging their natural instincts. Many pets even got their caricatures drawn, creating lasting memories for their owners.
Swati Agarwal, mother of Happy the Beagle, shared her experience. She said, "As his name suggests, Happy was super excited to participate in the fashion show." Rahul brought his Rottweilers Neo and Luka to the event. He noted, "Neo is extremely friendly, but people's perception of this breed is often unfair. Events like this help break those myths."
A Pawsome Ambience for Socializing
Breeds such as Shih Tzus, Golden retrievers, Huskies, Spitz, Lhasa apsos, and Rottweilers filled the venue. Pets named Jerry, Choco, Laddoo, Cookie, and Bruno strutted around in everything from dainty outfits to ethnic wear. The atmosphere encouraged easy bonding among animals and owners alike.
Pet parent Subhankar Pal expressed his delight. He said, "It's such a lovely sight to see so many babies come together and socialise. They don't get this chance often." The event provided a rare opportunity for pets to interact in a safe, controlled environment.
Pampering Rules the Day
Grooming sessions drew eager pet parents throughout the day. Pratham Jaiswal from a city-based pet grooming team emphasized the importance of grooming. He explained, "Grooming is an essential part of a pet's hygiene and overall health, it's not just about appearance."
Rajen Chauhan from the same team added valuable insights. He said, "Unlike humans, pets don't need daily baths. What they need is regular brushing and timely professional grooming to stay healthy and comfortable." These sessions educated owners on proper pet care practices.
Pet Parents Share Their Joy
Joydeep Dutta, another pet parent, talked about his experience. He said, "Cookie is attending this kind of event for the first time and is excited to meet so many friends. We even bought a new dress for her for the fashion show." The carnival offered first-time experiences for many pets and their owners.
Satrajit Sen, a filmmaker, attended with his wife and their pet GSD, Teetu. He appreciated the timing of the event. Sen stated, "Given our climate, these are the few months our fur babies can truly enjoy the outdoors, and I'm glad Calcutta Times organised this beautiful carnival." The pleasant weather made the outdoor activities even more enjoyable.
The Pawtner Carnival successfully created a platform for pet enthusiasts in Kolkata. It combined entertainment, education, and community building in one lively event. The strong turnout demonstrates the growing interest in pet-friendly activities within the city.