In an era dominated by glowing screens and digital overload, a quiet revolution is blooming in Kolkata—one that celebrates the tactile beauty of handwriting and the graceful touch of ink and pen. From May 2nd to 4th, 2025, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) will transform into a sanctuary of analog joy during PEN UTSAV 2025, a three-day celebration of the written word and personal expression.
The festival was founded by Sayak Adhya, the passionate mind behind Pen Club, Kolkata’s beloved haven for pen enthusiasts—and this year, he is joined by Shrish Paul, Arup Kundu, and the FABT (For A Better Tomorrow), a Kolkata-based team known for curating immersive cultural journeys.
But this is not just an exhibition—woven within it are stories, craftsmanship, and heritage. Attendees will encounter an extraordinary variety of inks and pens—over 4,000 to 5,000 types—brought in by manufacturers and collectors from across India and beyond. From rare feather quills to cutting-edge modern tools, this is a collector’s paradise.
The Live Calligraphy Arena will host legendary artists such as [Name 1], [Name 2], and [Name 3], who will conduct workshops ranging from Introduction to Calligraphy to advanced Graphology. For newcomers, hands-on sessions offer a welcoming gateway into this mesmerizing world of form and flow.
“This isn’t just about nostalgia,” explains Adhya. “This is a movement to revive the dying fountain pen culture. Today’s generation is beginning to realize that a pen isn’t just sustainable—it’s an emotional artifact. A single pen can outlive its owner, becoming a cherished heirloom passed down through time.”
Visitors can craft their own unique ink shades at the Ink Mixing Station, while vintage tools can be brought back to life at the Repair Café, where restoration experts breathe new life into broken or aging pens.
A true highlight for history buffs will be the Pen Utsav 2025 Museum Corner—a rare, curated display of 19th-century writing instruments, inkpot collections, century-old ink recipes preserved in glass vials, colonial-era paper samples, and icons like the Wahl-Eversharp Doric and Parker Duofold. Visitors will also discover Kolkata’s forgotten past as a pen-manufacturing hub, told through factory blueprints, vintage ads, and handwritten letters by historical figures who shaped the craft.
No prior pen expertise is needed—just a bit of curiosity. In an age of digital fatigue, Pen Utsav is a rare pause; a space where the scratch of a nib offers more peace than the tapping of keys ever could.
📍 Venue: ICCR, Kolkata
📅 Dates: May 2–4, 2025
🕐 Time: 1 PM to 8 PM daily
💰 Entry: Absolutely Free
🌐 More Info & Participation: penutsav.com
📲 Follow Us: @Penutsav2025
