At five in the morning, while Kolkata sleeps, a 74-year-old woman spreads joy by visiting every doorstep. Her name is Ratnabali Ghosh, and she is affectionately known as Alpona Didi of Kolkata.
Every year, shortly before Diwali, she goes out early in the morning to draw beautiful traditional alponas outside the homes of strangers, turning ordinary thresholds into touching surprises.
For elderly residents living far from their children, these intricate patterns mean more than just art. They bring a sense of care, connection, and comfort from the realization that they are thought of.
Through this simple yet beautiful gesture, Ratnabali preserves the traditional Bengali art of alpona while bringing smiles to the residents of all of Kolkata. Her story reminds us that to change something, grand gestures are not always necessary; sometimes a small act of kindness can brighten someone's entire day.