Yuva Bharati Krirangan (which roughly translates to Indian Youth Stadium) is also known as the Salt Lake Stadium and at approximately 76 acres, it happens to be the second largest of its kind in the world and the largest in India. Established in 1984, the stadium is primarily associated with Football and plays host to the city's various clubs like Mohun Bagan AC, East Bengal FC, and Mohammedan SC and is also occasionally used for home games played by the Indian national football team. Locals have always been passionate about the game and turn up in huge numbers to support their side. Apart from soccer, the facility also has an Olympic-class athletics track and practice areas for cricket, khokho and volleyball as well. The elliptical stadium has a three tiered seating arrangement that can hold upto 1, 20, 000 people and has deployed state-of-the-art facilities so as to ensure the absolute best in sporting experience.
One of the prime cultural and entertainment hubs in the city, Rabindranath Tagore Centre - ICCR is the venue for a number of fascinating events and exhibitions. Founded in 1950, the complex comprises an art gallery, an auditorium, a library and a conference center. From modern dramas, cultural plays and classical concerts, to awe-inspiring works of art, there is more than one way to seek entertainment at this remarkable cultural center.
Art and culture have always played an important role in Kolkata’s past and continue to do so even today. Keeping the passion alive, Nazrul Mancha is one of the most prominent event venues in the city. Situated in Rabindra Sarobar, the auditorium is most famous as the locale for Dover Lane Music Festival, a week long event dedicated to Indian and Carnatic Classical Music and held every January. For the rest of the year, the venue hosts various local and international events including dance and musical soirees, college functions as well as conferences and auditions. The large auditorium has a semi-circular stage and a seating capacity of approximately 3000. Regular performances by Bengali rock bands and other Indian groups make this a much-visited destination and especially popular among the youth of the city. However, the appearance of the space is not what you would expect of an auditorium of this standard to be and is in desperate need of renovation and modernization. It can be easily reached by buses and cabs.
Nandan was a gift from the government to the cinema and art crazy citizens of Kolkata. Inaugurated by the legendary film-maker Satyajit Ray, the movie theater was opened to public on 2nd September, 1985. What distinguishes it from the current multiplexes is the amazing and vast collection of videos, journals, books and other cinematic research materials preserved and maintained at the in-house library. It also has an entire section, dedicated to the renowned and versatile writer, art director and winner of National awards, Satyajit Ray. Be it the annual Kolkata Film Festival or special movie screenings, there is not a single dull moment at Nandan. It also organizes seminars, lectures and workshops that cover different aspects of cinema. An integral part of the Bengali art and culture, it surely cannot be ignored and with each passing year, the glory furthers. You can also visit Bangla Academy, Gaganendra Prodorshonshala and other cultural centers that share space with Nandan. For more information on the current schedule, call ahead.
The Calcutta School of Music was established in the year 1915 by Phillpe Sandre. It is one of the oldest institutions for contemporary classical music and western classical music. The main objective of this school is to teach music and nurture this wonderful talent in one and all. Apart from music it also covers speech training, drama and elocution. It arranges solo music training, concerts and orchestra programs. This institution has more than 1000 students and 38 teachers who are all highly qualified.
In Kolkata, the city of art and culture, there is no dearth of entertainment venues, it has many premier and important spaces, Kala Mandir being one of them. Established in 1968, it is managed and operated by the Sangeet Kala Mandir Trust. The excellent acoustic and lighting equipments of this auditorium furthers the art experience. This 1100-seater theater plays host to diverse events like classical sangeet mehfils and dance performances. Call ahead for complete details on schedule and exact technical specifications.
Mohun Bagan Athletic Club Ground was opened as a multipurpose stadium in 1963. The stadium is owned by Mohan Bagan, a reputed football club of India. Though the ground is solely used as a practice ground, it has hosted several fixtures between recognized football teams, one of them being Mohan Bagan vs FC Ararat, which was part of 1978 IFA Shield Final. As the stadium is one of the oldest, it is viewed as a heritage stadium in Kolkata and has undergone renovations a number of times. The stadium has three arcades, out of which one has cushion seats, and is reserved for the members of the club. It is a great source of recreation for the locals and also serves as a play ground for people.
The Palladian Lounge at The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry has four state-of-the-art halls up for rent. The wooden flooring and minimalistic decor provide a great ambiance ideal for formal and informal events alike; be it business conferences, meetings, art exhibitions, recitals, parties and so on. The Lounge also offers its event planning services for venues other than their own.
The Indian Mime Theatre is a training center as well as a theater for the Indian version of Pantomime. The theater started in 1976 and has focused on the promotion and development of Mukabhinaya (Silent Acting) which is now recognized by the Government of India as a separate art form. The Indian Mime Theatre holds workshops and training courses for those who want to learn the art form. The theater also holds women's empowerment and awareness camps, seminars on social issues, training for unemployed youth and women, development programs for children and health camps, among other programs. Do contact them for information about their courses, shows and artists.
Mohammedan Sporting Ground is the home of Mohammedan Sporting Club. It is a multipurpose stadium and was primarily built for football tournaments. The stadium has an accommodating capacity of 15000 persons and also hosts local tournaments for cricket, kabaddi and other regional games.
Set in the colorful city of Kolkata, Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, is one of the most sought after sports venues. The place is an indoor sports stadium, known to host some of the best sports events like cricket matches. Martial arts events as well as other cultural events, take place at the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra. The place is available for hire, for private events as well.
East Bengal Ground is one of the popular stadiums in West Bengal and the home ground of Kingfisher's East Bengal Football Club. The stadium was built to serve as a ground for hosting football tournaments but is now a multipurpose stadium. The home team uses the stadium as a practice ground. Well equipped with modern amenities, the stadium features a commentary box area, a special section for press members, a gym and Jacuzzi. The ground has historical and cultural significance and is of great importance to the AIFF.