Long before the concept of 'pet-friendly' establishments became fashionable in India, the legendary industrialist Ratan Tata had already set a remarkable precedent at Bombay House, where street dogs were treated with exceptional dignity and compassion. That same spirit of kindness and inclusion now flourishes at the iconic Taj Bengal hotel in Kolkata, embodied by a very special resident.
Meet Thumki: The Dawn Dasher of Taj Bengal
Thumki, a spirited two-year-old community dog, has transformed into a bona fide social media star and the heart of the Taj Bengal Kolkata. Her day begins in the quiet hours before dawn, where she can be seen joyfully dashing across the hotel's grand driveway. She weaves expertly between luggage trolleys, greeting the early-rising staff with enthusiastic tail wags and happy woofs, yet possesses an innate grace that allows her to slip away unobtrusively when guests arrive.
"I genuinely believe more people will come here just for this experience," says entrepreneur Mohua Chatterjee, who visited the hotel with her daughter, actress Hiya Chatterjee. "First, it establishes the space as truly pet-friendly, which means so much to those of us who don't see our pets as animals but as our children. And secondly, seeing an Indie like Thumki roaming around a place like this is incredibly wholesome. It makes you realise just how precious our Indian breeds are."
Born to Wander, Raised with Love
Thumki's story is one of serendipity and affection. She was born on Valentine's Day in 2024 to Chumki, a long-time canine resident of the hotel grounds. After her sister, Jhumki, was adopted by a loving Kolkata family, Thumki chose to make the Taj Bengal her permanent home.
"She wakes up around 4:30 am and runs until 6:30 am near the main entrance," explains security guard Surjeet Singh. "But she never disturbs guests. She intuitively knows the busy hours and avoids them." Animal rescuer and dedicated caregiver Seema Mohanchandran adds, "She now lives in her little house at the main portico and wanders freely. She's become quite popular among guests."
Queen of Quirks and Daily Rituals
Thumki's rise to fame has been meteoric, fueled by her playful personality and endearing quirks that draw crowds and countless selfies from both locals and international visitors. "She's extremely people-friendly and full of spunk," says Seema Mohanchandran. Her daily routine is a masterclass in charm:
- Greeting everyone with enthusiastic tail wags.
- Timing her treat runs perfectly with staff shift changes.
- Spreading joy simply by her presence.
Her culinary preferences are well-known to the hotel's culinary team. "She absolutely loves egg yolks and chicken breast," notes Chef Kavitha Unni, explaining how Thumki expertly picks out only the meat from her meals, savoring her favourite treats while politely avoiding vegetables.
What Makes Thumki Truly Special
Beyond her viral fame, Thumki's intelligence and affectionate nature have cemented her status as a beloved mascot. Her unique characteristics include:
- Being born at the five-star hotel on February 14, 2024.
- Residing at the main portico in her own specially provided little house.
- Memorizing staff schedules and patiently waiting for chef treats.
- Adoring eggs, chicken, and meat stews, but having a clear disdain for veggies.
- Escorting familiar cars to the gate every evening like a loyal sentry.
- Greeting staff daily, performing the duties of a four-legged concierge.
- Being regularly vaccinated, dewormed, and cared for by the dedicated hotel team.
- Acting as a favourite selfie companion for delighted guests.
- Displaying deep affection by leaning her entire body weight against humans she takes a liking to.
"Thumki's mother had already been living at the Taj before I joined," recalls K Mohanchandran, Senior Vice President of Operations at Taj Bengal, Kolkata. "When the two pups were born, my wife helped get one of them adopted by a lovely family in Kolkata. Thumki, however, stayed back. Even as a tiny pup, she was deeply attached to the hotel and never wanted to leave the premises."
Smart, affectionate, and endlessly entertaining, Thumki has turned herself into a star, proving that personality, quirks, and a love for good food can capture the hearts of a nation. She stands as a living testament to a culture of compassion, continuing a legacy that began with visionaries like Ratan Tata and now brings daily smiles to a luxury hotel in the heart of Kolkata.
