Inspired by the iconic celebrations of Kolkata's Park Street and Bow Barracks, the historic town of Serampore in West Bengal has brilliantly transformed its central avenues into a dazzling Christmas destination. This strategic move, focusing on heritage, tourism, and local economic revival, sees the state government orchestrating a grand festival akin to its famous counterparts.
A Virtual Inauguration and a Doubled Budget
The streets of the former Danish colony are now aglow with lights, its unique legacy highlighted, and food kiosks dot the landscape. While local decorations have been a recent tradition, this year's celebrations were significantly scaled up. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee virtually inaugurated the festivities on December 18, launching the Serampore event alongside those on Park Street and Bow Barracks.
The Serampore Municipality spearheaded the planning to showcase the town's European past and vibrant present. Giridhari Sha, the municipality chairman, emphasized that the festival is an investment in the town's future. "We bear all the expenses every year, and this time the cost has reached around Rs 80 lakhs, almost double the previous year," revealed Sha.
Illuminating 270 Years of Danish History
Serampore's deep-rooted Danish connection spans nearly 270 years. The Danes first arrived in 1755, purchasing 60 bighas of land from Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah for 16,000 pounds. The settlement, then named Fredriksnagore, thrived as a key Scandinavian trade post on the riverbanks.
One of the finest remnants from this era is the majestic St Olav's Church, constructed in 1805 by Colonel Bie. As a central part of the Christmas plan, the church compound has been specially illuminated under the guidance of Reverend Anup Mondal, casting a beautiful glow on its historic facade.
Local Hopes for Tourism and Economic Impetus
Residents and business owners eagerly anticipate that this Christmas festival will catapult Serampore onto the tourism map. They hope for increased footfall in local markets, restaurants, and riverfront attractions, providing a substantial boost to the area's economy.
Local businessman Anjan Bhattacharya reflected on the evolution of Christmas celebrations, stating, "During our childhood, we went to Park Street to enjoy Christmas. Later, we began our own festivities here. This year, we are enjoying Christmas in Serampore with the same excitement as Park Street." This sentiment captures the town's ambition to create a self-sustaining, festive destination that honors its unique history while building a prosperous future.
