A celebration of Calcutta’s untold, hidden history and traditions, DKS Night Car Treasure Hunt in association with t2, held on July 2, provided the right mix of adventure, mystery and camaraderie to offer a thrilling experience to participants and audience alike. The 54 cars that took part in the exciting contest were sent on an adventure trail around the city’s historic sites, while following a thread of cleverly constructed clues. The goal was to figure out the hints and find one’s way through the city’s hidden treasures and reach the coveted winning spot. The competition was held in four categories — intra, open, family and ladies. The activity helped participants learn about the city’s rich history and at the same time tested their problem-solving abilities.
“One of the hallmark activities of DKS (Dakshin Kalikata Samsad) is the yearly night automobile treasure hunt. Every year, members look forward to it,” said Rahul Bhaumik, DKS F&B secretary. He emphasised that regardless of the outcome, the spirit of the competition and the excitement of learning about the city’s past are what truly make the event a success. “A core team of four members at DKS undertakes extensive research to execute an event of this magnitude,” said Bhaumik. A key component of this research is making sure that participants learn about Calcutta’s untold stories. “Whether you win or lose is not the main concern. It’s about embracing a participatory attitude and learning about the rich tapestry of the city,” he added.
The winning team comprising Ritwik Bhattacharya, Samrat Sengupta, Arnab Banerjee and Shankar Narayan Saha attributed their achievement to their careful planning, in-depth familiarity with the city’s roads and adherence to event-specific techniques. They also highlighted an important connection for them between Calcutta’s legacy and the treasure hunt. “Heritage and Calcutta, that is what brings us together,” they said. To them, their victory symbolised not only their triumph but also their shared love and appreciation for the city’s rich cultural legacy.
Zainab Khanam (t2 intern)Pictures: B Halder
