Portugese...17 Aug 2014

Today was Janmashtami!
The original plan of the day was to reach this place; this had already been seen while making the trip to the synagogues. As I had always held on to the principle of exploring one place at a time, I had not ventured into this historic relic the previous day. Having been there once, there was no problem in reaching there. There was a desperation in my mind because I had once enquired and I was told that the church opened only from 08:00 - 12:00 in the first half.
The Portugese Church is located at the crossing of Brabourne Road and Canning Street. It is popular as the Church of When we reached there, a baptism ceremony was on. There was a congregation of about 30 people. I was glad to see that the crowd also included teenagers and just-out-of-teens. That was succeeded by the Sunday Mass probably.
The structure is an imposing one from the outside but more than the size, I found it to be photogenic.

The imposing structure from outside

I tried capturing the large windows and their sills which has been done by sheer patient-work. Thanks to the new tab (read toy), I was able to capture the right hand side tower in a single footage. But one thing I must admit: the structure belies the origin i.e. 1799. This for me is the oldest institution that I have come across till now in Kolkata.


The interior is to be seen to be beleived. An imposing hallway welcomes the person. The picture is attached below.

The front view of the church

Another view of the main hall

The mass in progress; look at the sheer height of the structure, the interior design and the ventilation. 

The allays to the right and the left is adorned with full statues and busts of Jesus and Her Mother. The one of the left ends in a small structure, but by Jove I must say, too beautiful.

Given a chance, I would stand there and gaze at the statue which is shown below.

I could not make out the details of the painting below below somehow liked it; hence took an exclusive picture of the same. I could not lay hands on the name of the artist but I am sure it refers to the "washing of the feet" by Jesus himself.

As I mostly try to place the parting shot as that of the two entities who normally accompany me; here for that day

Signing off for now; planning for the next Sunday...