If Walls Could Talk: A Tribute to West Bengal

After eight years of marriage, two children, and a global pandemic, I finally visited my husband’s hometown—Calcutta in West Bengal. Until then, my knowledge of the state was limited to stories, family anecdotes, and, embarrassingly, a stack of library books I checked out before our trip. My husband laughed at my enthusiasm—“Who needs a travel guide for their own hometown?”—but I was determined to see Bengal with fresh eyes.

What I found was a state teeming with humanity, rich in culture and heritage. Calcutta and West Bengal are where the past and present coexist: the grandeur of Bengal architecture, the elusive White Tiger, the lush lowlands, the ever-present threat of cyclones along the oceanside, and the vibrant life of its festivities. Every corner seemed to tell a story, every street a living memory.

Inspired by this journey, I decided to dedicate a wallpaper in our home to Bengal. It’s more than just a decorative choice—it’s a daily reminder of my husband’s roots, our shared adventures, and the beauty of embracing each other’s histories.

What role can wallpaper play in your house? For us, it’s a bridge between worlds. It transforms a blank wall into a canvas of memories and meaning. Sometimes, it sparks conversation or curiosity in the kids about their heritage. Other times, it simply offers a quiet moment of nostalgia—a glimpse of a place that is both distant and deeply connected to our family’s story.

The role of wallpaper in our home has turned out to be more than aesthetic. It’s a tribute, a celebration, and a gentle reminder that the places we come from continue to shape the spaces we create together.