Magic is one of the oldest performing arts in the world. Modern entertainment magic, as pioneered by 19th-century magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, has become a popular theatrical art form. Magic has kind of retained its popularity even in the Whatsapp and Facebook age, with magicians such as Paul Daniels, David Copperfield, David Blaine and Derren Brown modernizing the art form.
Since 1873, Kolkata Tramways have been weaving magic around them. From these 148 odd years, the mode of transport has not just carried people but also enthralled them. It’s like a love affair with the city of joy. Anyone who comes to Kolkata cannot get over the charming Trams.
Celebrating this symphony of Trams and Magic, West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) in collaboration with Federation of Indian Magic Associates (FIMA) has embarked on a unique journey to come up with a series of innovations to popularise magic, especially amongst youth.
“Federation of Indian Magic Associates is excited to start the project embracing trams and ferries to reach people at large to spread and promote magic as an art. We thank WBTC for allowing us the opportunity and special thanks to Shri Rajanvir Kapur, MD, WBTC, to help us shape the plan with continuous support and guidance. FIMA looks forward to starting the magical journey on transit,” said Sanjoy Chatterjee, Founder, FIMA.
“We have been trying to popularize trams and water ferries as a choice mode for youth and visitors. The Magical Tram and Magic on Water will ensure that people are again in touch with this art form that has entertained generations before us,” said *Rajanvir Singh Kapur, MD of WBTC.
From the coming Sunday, 28th February, there will be Magic Shows and Interactive Magic Teaching especially for children by WBTC and FIMA.
MAGICAL TRAM
Within a few days, the Magical Tram starts in Kolkata. The Magical Tram will be a special Tram run on Saturday and Sunday, for a 2 hour ride on which magicians will display their art on move. The Magical Tram will leave Esplanade at 1pm and return to same after touching Bow Bazar, College Street, Hatibagan, to Shyambazar and return to Gariahat Tram World via Park Circus, Nonapukur, Wellington, Chandni Chowk and return to Esplanade. The ride will cost Rs 80, with children less than 18 having to pay just Rs 40.
MAGIC ON WATER
Recently, West Bengal Transport Corporation came up with the European Settlements Boat Ride. The ESBR runs on Saturday/Sunday from 10am to 9pm and now from the coming Sunday, visitors will also enjoy Magic on Water.
The Boat Ride starts from Millennium Park Jetty every weekend. The time of boat ride is 11 hours with 1.5 hours stop at Serampore and Chandannagore. Now, there will be a special magic show on water that will start for travellers on the ESBR.
MAGIC SHOWS AT TRAM WORLD
Every Saturday, Sunday, visitors to Tram World can see Magic Show from 3pm to 6pm. From the coming Sunday, Tram World will host shows by FIMA for magic lovers at Tram World. FIMA has its Headquarters in Kolkata with a member base of more than 3000 magicians. FIMA has been organizing a Magic Fair at Mohor Kunjo in Kolkata for a decade (last happened in 2019) with the support of the Government of West Bengal. This signature event is unique of its kind with an average footfall of more than 1 lakh (in 5 days).
