When I was little every 23rd January, on Netaji’s birthday my dad used to take me to S.N. Banerjee Road to see the cannon show between 12:00pm to 12:30pm. Since 2019 I have been trying to go back to S.N. Banerjee Road to catch a glimpse of it happening. I failed every time, either by getting stuck in traffic or because they shifted the venue somewhere else. During COVID it did not happen. In 2022, they moved away the venue to some other location. Media outlets do not cover the event, there is no public forum to make the information of the event available. Mostly locals know about it, but while everyone is busy in their own world, they either don’t know where it happens or when I ask them they cannot communicate.

Last year in 2023, I left my home early, I searched everywhere for the cannon show. Every local person was pointing me in the wrong direction; either to a different program. After a lot of hunting, I heard sounds coming from INOX Hind, some people told me it’s happening there and that it’s going on there for a while. When I reached the spot it was already 12:30pm, the event was over. The ash from the cannons were just lying all over the ground. I was so disappointed.

This year, I almost forgot about it again. At 11:20am I was browsing Instagram and came across a post – “Happy Birthday Netaji” and jumped up! I almost forgot today’s the day! I booked an Uber Moto and grabbed my camera and ran out of the house. I reached at 11:58am, 2 minutes before it could start!

After so many tries and failed attempts I was finally at the correct venue! One of my most favourite events, unfolding right in front of my eyes! I was standing right in front of it! It was amazing! The sound, the ground shaking, the explosions – were crazy! Loved it!

When one of the first projectiles exploded in the sky, the remains fell back and some material from it fell on my jacket. I brought it back home as a memory. It is some sort of rope made of jute, could have been used to tie the projectile after filling it with explosives.

Here’s some additional details for anyone wanting to see it next time.

Netaji Jayanti
Date: 23rd January
Venue: INOX Hind, 76, Ganesh Chandra Avenue, Kolkata 700013
Learn More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netaji_Jayanti

Also, a little background about Netaji. Subhas Chandra Bose (also called Netaji) is known for his role in India’s independence movement, he was a freedom fighter. A participant of the noncooperation movement and a leader of the Indian National Congress, he was part of the more militant wing and known for his advocacy of socialist policies. 23rd January also known as Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Jayanti or Netaji Jayanti holds immense significance in honouring the courage and determination of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose. It serves as a reminder of his unwavering spirit and selfless service to the nation.

Needless to say he is one of my heroes.

“You give me blood I will give you freedom.”

– Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose