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  The word 'adda' exists in many Indian languages including Bengali. But the essence of the word is essentially Bengali and synonymous with the culture and tradition of Bengalis - known for their intense ardour to enjoy life and whisk time through long talking sessions. It usually takes place among friends, relatives or colleagues. An adda is indeed the purest and simplest way of refreshment and enjoyment with no gainful purpose. Adda manifests itself everywhere. From the Egyptians or Turks chilling out with a cup of coffee, the Trinis enjoying a 'lime', or the Americans guzzling beer in a pub – everybody is found relaxed, relieved and deeply engrossed in a typical 'adda' mood, sometime or the other. Addas are best seen during the festivals. Creative writers have always played the pivotal role in these brain-storming adda sessions. Even engineers, doctors, lawyers or high flying executives have their exclusive addas within their professional circles. An adda is indeed the purest and simplest way of refreshment and enjoyment with no gainful purpose. Adda manifests itself everywhere. From the Egyptians or Turks chilling out with a cup of coffee, the Trinis enjoying a 'lime', or the Americans guzzling beer in a pub – everybody is found relaxed, relieved and deeply engrossed in a typical 'adda' mood, sometime or the other. Addas are best seen during the festivals. Creative writers have always played the pivotal role in these brain-storming adda sessions. Even engineers, doctors, lawyers or high flying executives have their exclusive addas within their professional circles.
The most remarkable coffee house of recent times, is the one at College Street. Another one at Chittaranjan Avenue (misleadingly termed as the 'Chowringhee Coffee House') was favourite haunt of the film-maestro Satyajit Ray.
 I) COFFEE HOUSE (COLLEGE STREET) : In Calcutta, the Coffee House on College Street deserves special mention. Located on Bankim Chatterjee Street, this was previously known as the "Albert Hall". It is now known as the 'Indian Coffee House'. The people who flock here, are not necessarily like-thinking folks. Neither do their topics for discussion tally with each other. College students hang out for idle gossip to while away their free time. Many people come here merely for the sake of adda and just being a part of the long talking sessions. The Coffee House has always been the paradise for the poets, artistes, literati and people from the world of art and culture. Several literary magazines owe their origin to the inspiration from the adda sessions at this coffee house.
II) RABINDRASADAN / NANDAN PREMISES: In recent times, many people flock in and around the Rabindrasadan and Nandan. Budding actors and directors, ardent lovers of theatre, cinema, independent films and music, are among the people that gather here, participating in adda; leading to a sense of cultural ambience all around. This is a paradise for intellectuals and refined people. At Nandan, fine-art fairs, song and poetry festivals are held throughout the year. Different theatre groups stage their plays at the open-air theatre in Nandan.
III) ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS : Many artistes and creative folks cluster here in the evenings for an adda, humming around the exhibition hall and theatre hall. This adda has a distinctive characteristic where the members of the adda are generally obsessed in the discussion and critical appreciation of the plays staged here. Sometimes, a debate arises on the exhibition of paintings. This adda fine tunes one's creative faculties.
IV) RABINDRA SAROVAR : Several people flock to this part of South Calcutta, for an innocuous adda, coupled with a walk along the grounds of the lake. The veterans, mostly the retired elders gather for prolonged adda sessions at dawn and at dusk. The Rabindra Sarovar Stadium and adjacent swimming clubs draw people of all ages, and consequently, addas emerge spontaneously. |
