Kolkata Rainbow Pride Walk

Kolkata's pride walk is widely described as the first in India and South Asia. It started on 2 July 1999 with about 15 people participating in what they called the Friendship Walk, now known as the Kolkata Rainbow Pride Walk. These days, it requires police permission, and the route is agreed upon with the authorities.

The walk typically takes place on a Sunday in late December, capping off a month of Kolkata Pride events. Past dates include 30 December 2018, 29 December 2019, 18 December 2022, and 17 December 2023. In 2023, it kicked off from Park Circus Maidan at 2 pm. Marchers often sing Tagore songs, Bengali songs, and Bollywood numbers as they make their way through the streets - Park Street has been a part of the route every year.

There are now two separate walks. One, under the banner 'Oikko Moncho' (United Platform), took place on 22 June 2025, starting from Metro Cinema at Esplanade and ending at the Academy of Fine Arts. According to UNI, this was the 26th walk. Then, in January 2026, another walk - also called the 26th - was reported by The Telegraph's t2, which started at Girish Park and made its way to Esplanade along Central Avenue. Navonil Das, a co-initiator of Kolkata Pride, mentioned that the route had changed, but no date was given.
Check kolkatapride.org and the organisers' social accounts for updates on a potential December 2026 walk.