Kolkata Borshar Mejaj Coaster

“Kolkatar borshar mejaj” (কলকাতার বর্ষা মেজাজ) refers to the distinct, romantic, and often nostalgic mood or atmosphere that takes over Kolkata during the monsoon season. It evokes a sense of old-world charm, often associated with sitting by a window, watching the rain, and listening to Rabindra Sangeet (Tagore songs). It brings to mind the smell of wet soil on the city’s dusty streets (petrichor), particularly in older, tree-lined neighborhoods. It is closely linked to enjoying specific foods like hot khichuri with fried fish (ilish maach bhaja), telebhaja (deep-fried snacks), and steaming tea (cha). While romantic, it also implies the typical Kolkata monsoon chaos—waterlogged streets, struggling traffic, the iconic yellow taxis wading through water, and navigating with umbrellas. It is a time for heartfelt conversations (adda) with friends or family, often accompanied by tea and snacks, as the rain keeps people indoors.