I have seen places like Belur Matt, Dakshineshwar, Kalighat etc., Though the people are communists but they are higly religious. They are ardent devotees of Goddess Kali. Durga Puja is the biggest event for Bengalis.
I travelled in underground railway and trams. Calcutta is a very crowded place and the people look very backward. There is lot of air pollution and traffic jams. Somebody commented that Calcutta is a GOD foresaken city! The reason why West Bengal has become so backward is due to the communist rule. It is atleast 20 years backward compared to Andhra Pradesh. The people are proud and lazy. I advice them to give up communism and join in the mainstream of India's progress.
I like the food in Calcutta. However the People here like south Indian food. I front of SDF building in Salt Lake there used to be Madrasi Idly/Dosa vendor. I used to eat Bengali foods like Mach(fish). One unique thing is you find fish pieces in Dhal! Here the brahmins also eat fish. Bengal is famous for sweets. I enjoyed sweets like Sondesh, Rosogulla, Mishti Dhoi(sweet curd).
During spare time I used to go to Dharmatala (or esplanade) and pass time near the shopping centers.
More Later....,