Reviving Kolkata’s Hidden Gems: Mudar Patherya’s Inspiring Illumination Project Brings Forgotten Buildings to Life on WhatsApp
As monsoon clouds gather over Kolkata, the city experiences a magical transformation. When twilight descends, the sky morphs into a deep blue, casting an enchanting glow on the iconic British-era structures adorned with warm yellow LED lights. Buildings like the clock tower of Magen David Synagogue, the domes of Burhani Masjid, and the angel atop the Victoria Memorial, once neglected and weathered, are now finding new life through this illumination.
The initiative to illuminate these historic landmarks began serendipitously. Heritage conservationist Mudar Patherya was struck by the dilapidated state of Maniktala Market while driving down Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road. Distressed by its grim appearance, he opted to restore its façade but soon realized that the beauty unfolded only at night. Illumination emerged as the solution.
Patherya’s first lighting project unveiled an unexpected charm, kindling the idea to highlight other often-overlooked city landmarks. “I passed the hat among friends and industrialists to fund this project,” he recalls. Naming the initiative Kolkata Restorers, Patherya emphasizes its grassroots nature-there’s no formal organization; just a WhatsApp group facilitating communication and collaboration.
In just under two years, Kolkata Restorers has illuminated 95 buildings, including not only independent homes but also notable sites like the General Post Office, Raj Bhavan, and the Central Methodist Episcopal Church. Suyash Narsaria, the project’s lighting designer and founder of Optiluxx Electricals LLP, explains the approach: “We highlight what the architect envisioned a century ago. When the lighting feels organic, akin to how the structure was always meant to appear, we’ve achieved our goal.”
The team relies on energy-efficient LED technology, utilizing smart controls and dimming options to ensure aesthetics without excessive power consumption. Narsaria favors warmer tones to enhance the legacy of stone and brick, adding timeless elegance to the illuminated spaces.
A significant hurdle has been executing non-invasive lighting techniques. “We avoid drilling and work closely with conservation experts, treating these buildings like priceless paintings we illuminate without ever touching the canvas,” Narsaria notes. One of the highlights for Narsaria was illuminating the angel atop the Victoria Memorial, but he also expressed amazement at the transformation of the Office of the Director General of Audit near Eden Gardens, which now appears beautifully lit at night.
Patherya envisions Kolkata Restorers as an expanding ecosystem. With nearly 250 contributors involved, the project has grown from its casual beginnings to a substantial community effort. Patherya actively engages the public in crowdfunding, encouraging donations ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹40 lakh, emphasizing that anyone with a sense of pride in Kolkata can contribute.
Surprisingly, maintenance costs remain manageable. “We design the lighting according to the owner’s financial capacity. I handle light replacements, while building owners cover electricity costs,” Patherya explains, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the initiative. So far, there has been only one significant refusal due to financial difficulties, which Patherya personally subsidized.
The project has sparked a surge in night tours, with local businesses like Travel Together Everywhere offering guided experiences to showcase the illuminated buildings. Patherya sees potential for neighborhood festivals around these landmarks, emphasizing that the idea extends beyond illumination to include performances and gourmet events.
Looking ahead, his wish list grows ambitious. He aims to illuminate Writers’ Building, Indian Museum, and Howrah Station, aspiring to reach a total of 200 structures. As Kolkata’s streets quieten, the LED lights shine, revealing a vibrant heritage that the day often obscures. In the glow of the night, the essence of this historic city comes alive once more, inviting both locals and visitors to appreciate its rich tapestry.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/heres-how-heritage-conservationist-mudar-patherya-is-lighting-up-the-forgotten-buildings-of-kolkata-through-his-illumination-project-on-whatsapp/article70064664.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-09-25 14:35:00
