Field Notes

Kolkata wields its midnight magic

Ghost walks rekindle interest in city's heritage as midnight adventurers find out why it has at least 25 kinds of ghosts

New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

It is midnight in the courtyard of Kolkata's iconic Sir Stuart Hogg Market. A spot that brims with hawkers and haggling customers in the morning is being transformed into a giant communal bedroom. Locals, many of them workers at the market, grab cardboard, rugs, newspapers - whatever they can find or afford - to create a bed.

Streetlights continue to flash brightly. The only privacy here lies in anonymity.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 24, 2018, with the headline Kolkata wields its midnight magic. Subscribe