The Street Art and Design Festival 3.0

The quiet, leafy lanes of Hindustan Park, affectionately known as Kolkata’s "café para", erupted into a kaleidoscope of colours and rhythm on 27–28 December.

The neighbourhood turned into a living gallery, celebrating the intersection of urban culture and traditional craftsmanship. Art installations were set up in every corner.

Even the iconic hand-pulled Kolkata rickshaw got an arty upcycle at the Festival.

Artists transformed old, weathered brick into murals full of colour and stories, which also served as backdrops to showcase all other forms of art.
 

The walls also became a means to offer a nod of respect to several known faces, such as Nabaneeta Dev Sen, who had made Hindustan Park their home. 

The festival also allowed a massive gathering of local talent and creators to gain a platform to showcase and sell their work. Stalls featured a range of handmade souvenirs and food stalls selling fried delicacies like Gondhoraj chicken pakoras and crispy fish fingers as well as steaming hot momos. 

Hand-painted religious and cultural artworks, presenting the traditional craftsmanship of Nadia, were on display at one such stall. 

From folk to pop and from visual to performative, the artistic expressions were varied and fascinating. People queued up to get their portraits and caricatures done by artists. 

There were stalls showcasing beautifully designed journals and art-led collectibles to posters and key chains. 

The Festival was far more than a static exhibition. It was a multi-sensory experience that offered something for every type of art lover. The air was filled with the sounds of live music and the energy of dance and theatre performances.

Traditional puppet shows delighted younger audiences.

Artists also showcased their art, held workshops and explained techniques to willing listeners. 

Designers, performers and craftsmen got together to successfully bridge the gap between professional artistry and public space.

The Street Art and Design Festival 2025 was a reminder that in Kolkata art isn't just found in museums, it lives on the streets.