Anglo-Indians plan gala affair (The Times of India)

KOLKATA: Anglo-Indians in the city are all set to celebrate World Anglo-Indian Day on August 2, with week-long celebrations starting on Sunday.

Way back in 1935, when the Government of India Act – precursor to the Constitution – was enacted, the community was recognised officially. Hence, the day is known as World Anglo-Indian Day.

This year, it promises to be a grand affair as Sunday marks the beginning of the run-up to the platinum jubilee year. The week-long programme will have carnivals, balls, outings and of course, some sumptuous Anglo-Indian cuisine. And all this is bound to whip up memories of the Fifties and Sixties – the glorious days of the community.

The number of Anglo-Indians in the city is believed to be around 3,000 and efforts are on to get them all involved in the celebrations this year.

Members of the community are praying hard that Sunday remains sunny because a day out complete with some yummy khana – as it is popularly called in Anglo-Indian parlance – has been organised at the Maidan tent of Rangers’ Club, an exclusive Anglo-Indian address.

Though organisers of all the four major programmes surrounding the occasion have kept the dress code relaxed, food will be strictly Anglo-Indian. So, right from yellow rice and ball curry to pantras, jhalfrezi, vindaloo, roast meat and plum pudding, it’s going to be authentic stuff all the way.

“Since Anglo-Indians are a typically beef-eating community, we are sticking to it as far as possible. Also, some dishes like vindaloo have dual ownership and though Goans claim that to be their speciality, the Anglo-Indians prefer to keep the title with themselves,” joked Denise O’Brien, wife of the Anglo-Indian representative in the Assembly, Barry O’Brien.

The carnival at St James’ School on August 2 has been organised by the Association of Heads of Anglo-Indian Schools. “Everyone can take part in the festivities, taste the goodies and play games. We have tried to include only the age-old Anglo-Indian favourites like skittle, feeding the clown and killing the rat. Though somewhat forgotten today, these can be so much fun to play,” said TH Ireland, principal of St James’.

The All India Anglo-Indian Association (AIAIA), the only national body of the community since 1876, has organised a special thanksgiving, followed by a sit-down lunch at Frank Anthony Public School on August 3.

“We will ensure that dal-bhaat is served in typical Anglo-Indian style for this lunch. You will be surprised to know that dal-bhaat is Anglo-Indian staple, too!” said Denise, also the secretary of AIAIA.

All eyes, however, would be on the gala Rangers’ Club ball on August 3 when women, in their best of gowns, waltz with their menfolk.