By Arghyadip Hatua

India Correspondent at Pedestrian Space

Photo Credit: Behala Natun Dal

Creating a colourful environment really encourages people to explore and increases walkability in the city.

Arghyadip Hatua
Photo Credit: Behala Natun Dal

With the aim to connect people with art, artists in Kolkata painted walls in a street exhibition in the city’s Behala area. Artists are giving a final touch to their art expressions and the paintings portray various social issues.

Photo Credit: Behala Natun Dal

Art and walkability – two synergies which I believe radiate positivity around us.

-Arghyadip Hatua, India Correspondent at Pedestrian Space
Photo Credit: Behala Natun Dal

Among the wall paintings, celebrated filmmaker Satyajit Ray also finds a place with his own art. This year, Behala Art Fest is all about subaltern culture and subaltern art. This creates an impact on people who love to explore the street corners on foot.

Photo Credit: Behala Natun Dal
Photo Credit: Behala Natun Dal

Sanatan Dinda, the convener of Behala Art Fest, said, “Keeping in mind the theme of Behala Art Fest, all the artists are doing relevant work. Human civilization is passing through a dark era. Our theme is ‘Light and Darkness‘. Artists are sharing their innovative ideas of ‘Light and Darkness with life and existence in the foreground.”

Photo Credit: Behala Natun Dal

We hope to take such initiatives forward and make the city more colorful for residents and visitors. Art is for the sake of the people,” he added. It also creates positive changes in pedestrian space and life. Creating a colorful environment really encourages people to explore and increases walkability in the city.

Photo Credit: Behala Natun Dal
Photo Credit: Behala Natun Dal
Photo Credit: Behala Natun Dal
Photo Credit: Behala Natun Dal
Photo Credit: Behala Natun Dal
Photo Credit: Behala Natun Dal
Photo Credit: Behala Natun Dal

A big thanks to local club: Behala Natun Dal, artist Mr. Sanatan Dinda, Pedestrian Space for advocacy for walkability and liveable streets. I really feel great when the dead space is utilized and turned into a lively dynamic place. Art and walkability – two synergies that I believe radiate positivity around us. -Arghyadip Hatua, India Correspondent at Pedestrian Space

Photo Credit: Behala Natun Dal

Arghyadip Hatua was born in Kolkata, the ‘City of Trams’ in India. He is a Public Transport and Urban Policy enthusiast and Advocate. He aims to start a revolution for tramways and walkability in Kolkata as well as broadly in India.

Read India Correspondent Arghyadip’s content here

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