Millennium Park is a proud possession of Calcutta. It is the latest addition in the list of amusement parks in Calcutta and is in fact a gorgeous gift by the C.M.D.A. to the city of joy. This is indeed a worthwhile attempt to beautify the city. Built on the bank of the river Ganga, this park was inaugurated on 1st January, 2000.
Such a concept was so long found in the occidental countries only. There, the bank of a river is cleaned, decorated and embellished not only for aesthetic purposes but also for commercial reasons viz., to promote tourism. Following that healthy trend, the Millennium Park has been built on Strand Road in Calcutta near B.B.D. Bag covering a vast area. Both the banks of the river in this spot, show a deluge of colourful flowers. There are rows of bunches on the banks for people to sit and behold the spectacle of an exquisite nature - the dark water of the river and the riot of colours by the riverside, as the soft and healing breeze soothes the mind and body and the flowers sway in a colourful harmony.
The railings of the Park have been built a few inches above the surface of the water. One can feel the dark, cold water with the fingertips but it ought not to be done as there is the risk of tripping into the river. The railings cover an extensive area by the side of the river. People who are willing to spend some nice time in this picturesque setting, will have a thrilling experience ambling lazily on the graceelled path along the railings. It is simply fascinating to stand behind the railings and gaze at the profound, black waters in front. The lush green grass all around is impeccably trimmed and looks like green carpet. There are rows of trees of different lengths which not only add an elegant charm to the spot but make it a shady haunt for the weary men who come here for respite.
Inside the park, there are some cottages with thatched roofs. These provide shelter from the scorching sun rays, rainfall and other whims of nature when the need be. There are several sitting arrangements like benches, stools and chains, arranged in rows by the side of the railings.
The park is indeed a nice place to visit with family and friends on any holiday or whenever one gets some time for respite from the monotony and humdrum of urban life. There is also a children’s park exclusively for the kids. There are slides, merry-go-round and some other rides to the sheer delight of the kids. Children are also found deriving fem by scampering hither and thither or seating on the benches and prattling and at times, bursting into chortles of laughter.
Then there are those lonely, deserted and forlorn souls who come here to seek solace in the bosom of nature. Many of them are found strolling unmindfully or humming some popular member of the bygone days. Sometimes, a casual tramp is seen to lean against the railing and watch the wonderful spectacle of the sun dipping in the western horizon across the river.
Last but not the least, it is a unique place for those romantic young couples who are on the relentless search for finding an ideal haunt for cooing and wooing, sitting undisturbed in a placid atmosphere under the mackerel sky or getting lost in an endless love prattle, oblivious of everything else around. Soft music is played in the park in the evening hours, which renders a mystic touch to the place.
Apparently, Millennium Park is not much different from other amusement parks of its kind. But it has something special to it which enhances its beauty. It is the river adjacent to it. At times, it seems as if the river is following silently through the park. As evening sets in and the city of joy slowly plunges into darkness, the electric lights designed after the gas lights of the yester years start glowing with effulgence. Then the park with all its surroundings looks like a land of fantasy ….of dreams and of passionate desires.