Howrah Witnesses Its First Heritage Drive

With the Heritage Vehicle movement gaining popularity in all major cities across the world, it would not be long before Howrah – a 500-year-old city of West Bengal, India – had their very first Heritage Drive which was held on Sunday, February 19, 2023.

A joint initiative between Icche Dana – a group dedicated to protect our socio-cultural heritage joined hands with Deborshi Sadhan Billy Bose – Chairman of EMSAA (Eastern Motor Sports Automobile Associate), who himself is the 6th generation of the Howrah Ramkrishnapur Bose Family and a vintage car & bike enthusiast himself decided to present Howrah its first ever Heritage Drive event.

The event was held at the Domurjala Stadium in association with HIDCO and Howrah City Police with Yamaha as one of the main sponsors.

There were about 60 cars and bikes with famous marques like Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Studebaker, Rover, Citroen, Morris, Fiat, Ford, Land Rover, and Toyota to name a few in the 4-wheeler category and James Villiers, Triumph, Matchless, Royal Enfield, Lambretta, and Bajaj among others in the 2-wheeler category.

Come the morning of February 19 and Howrah woke up to witness the beauties parked in the Domurjala Stadium. All the owners along with their family members and support staff were welcomed by the organising committee with rose petals and tilak. This was followed by the breakfast.

The Heritage Drive was flagged off by Shri. Arup Roy (Honourable Minister), Dr. Sujoy Chakraborty (Chairman, HMC), Mr. Debangshu Das (Vice Chairman, HMC) for a short four kilometre drive around the stadium with Howrah Police escorting these vehicles.

The crowds cheered with the mobile cameras clicking at random as the heritage cars and bikes hit the road. Later, the gathering witnessed a musical and dance performance which was followed by the handover of appreciation mementos and certificates to all the owners.

The day ended with a confirmation from Barun Karaty, Co-ordinator of Icche Dana and Deborshi Sadhan Billy Bose of EMSAA that this event which marked the beginning of the Howrah Heritage Drive will henceforth be an annual affair. This announcement brought joy to all those who were present, especially the residents of Howrah.