Santanu Bose, KOLKATA, India – December, 2025 : This Christmas, the bustling streets of Kolkata are witnessing a delightful and distinctly local reimagining of a beloved global icon: Santa Claus. Far from the snowy landscapes of the North Pole, a vibrant movement is taking hold, seeing Father Christmas trade his traditional sleigh for a hand-pulled rickshaw, and his reindeer for the city’s inimitable charm, offering a fun, creative twist on traditional Christmas celebrations.

_{^{Making Santa in Kolkata streets / Photo : Santanu Bose}}

The initiative, spearheaded by local artists, community groups, and enthusiastic residents, aims to blend the festive spirit of Christmas with the unique cultural tapestry of the “City of Joy.” The result is a spectacle that is both heartwarming and quintessentially Kolkatan.

“Christmas in Kolkata has always been special, especially around Park Street,” says Anjali Sharma, a resident and one of the organizers of a recent Santa-themed street walk. “But we wanted to do something more. We wanted Santa to truly experience Kolkata, and for Kolkata to see Santa in a way it never has before.”

_{^{Making Santa in Kolkata streets / Photo : Santanu Bose}}

Imagine Santa, not with a backdrop of pine trees, but against the iconic yellow of Ambassador taxis, the intricate ironwork of colonial-era buildings, and the vibrant chaos of a fish market. Recently, a volunteer dressed as Santa was spotted navigating the narrow lanes of North Kolkata, greeting surprised onlookers from a garland-decked rickshaw, his “Ho ho ho!” echoing amidst the clang of tram bells and the calls of street vendors.

This creative fusion extends beyond mere appearances. Event organizers are incorporating local flavors into Santa’s persona. Instead of milk and cookies, children are offering Santa bharer cha (tea in clay cups) and sandesh (Bengali sweets). Carolers are mixing traditional hymns with popular Bengali festive songs, creating a unique soundscape that reflects Kolkata’s multicultural ethos.

_{^{Santa in Kolkata streets / Photo : Santanu Bose}}

“It’s about making Christmas feel more inclusive, more ‘ours’,” explains Rajat Das, a local photographer who has been documenting the phenomenon. “Santa is a symbol of joy and giving. When he engages with the city, with its people, its food, its transport—it breaks down barriers and just spreads happiness.”

The initiative has garnered significant attention on social media, with photos and videos of “Kolkata Santa” going viral. Tourists and locals alike are charmed by the unexpected sight, often stopping to take selfies with the festive figure.

_{^{Making Santa in Kolkata streets / Photo : Santanu Bose}}

“It’s brilliant! I never thought I’d see Santa on a rickshaw, but it just makes so much sense here,” exclaimed Sarah Jenkins, a tourist from London, after spotting Santa near the Howrah Bridge. “It captures the spirit of both Christmas and Kolkata perfectly – full of life, color, and a little bit of beautiful chaos.”

As the festive season reaches its peak, Kolkata continues to prove that tradition is not static. By infusing a global celebration with distinct local flavor, the city is not just celebrating Christmas; it’s redefining it, one joyful rickshaw ride at a time. The “Kolkata Santa” is more than just a costume; it’s a testament to the city’s enduring creativity and its unparalleled ability to embrace and integrate diverse cultures into its vibrant heart.