A Walk in the Graveyard

Hi,

Today (Feb 12th, 2011) Rashmila, Sewoti, Deepak and I (and Mr.P) were out again. Among us, Sewoti was excited the most. It was again Rashmila who planned out the entire outing. The place where we had gone to visit today was a graveyard in the past The South Park Street Cemetery. The burial ground was opened in 1767 and was in use till mid 19th century. In the last more than 150 years, there has been no funeral on these grounds. There are more than 2000 people resting in peace in the cemetery. Its currently a heritage site and a tourist's place in Kolkata. The place has got graves of people like Henry Louis Vivian Derozio (poet and teacher), Sir William Jones, founder of the Asiatic Society. The tallest obelisk of the cemetery is of his grave.

Lately, the site has been made famous ten folds by a Bengali movie: Gorosthanay Shabdhan [beware the graveyard]. The movie is based on a detective story by Satyajit Ray, of same name, featuring Feluda.

Okay, after the history and the facts, now lets get to our outing. First, I must mention that the pictures have been put here with all the respect to the ones who are resting in peace and those who love them. I wont let my talkative nature come in between coz its the silence which is the real sound of such a place.

GUARD


GATEWAY


REST


HONORED EVER AFTER


SOUND OF FOOTSTEPS


HEAVEN'S OWN

The epitaphs on a few were really a work of poets, even though all of them carried the endless emotion which the loved ones had for the person. At a few places, there were husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, fathers and sons together. Sometimes, the whole family has been buried at the same place, side by side. As Rashmila told us, they are called the talking graves. There were soldiers, high ranking officials, civilians, fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, artists, poets, leaders, teachers and who not. But all appeared to be same once they were done with this world.

Although the last shot may make you think that we were there till dark, but we were not. The place closes at 5 in the evening. Even though we had to have some heated arguments with a few "official"s there over some mindless issues, but we all came out in a cheerful mood. We walked the entire Park Street (with a halt for a "little" snacks, thanks to Sewoti!) till the metro rail stations and from there, we four took off for our homes.


The South Park Street Cemetery was more of an experience than a mere outing for us. If you get a chance, please pay a visit to this place.

Till next time,
Bye :)