(Garden Cafe hosts an interactive showcase of India’s traditional lamps, bringing together heritage, craftsmanship and digital preservation.)
TTT NEWS NETWORK
KOLKATA | 13 NOVEMBER 2026
India’s cultural history is preserved not only in its monuments and manuscripts but also in everyday objects that reflect the country’s artistic traditions, craftsmanship and way of life. Many of these objects carry stories that deserve to be documented and passed on. Exploring how technology can contribute to this effort, Garden Cafe, Alipore, hosted OpEzee’s Heritage Hub in Kolkata, marking the Bengaluru-based company’s first presentation in Eastern India.
The showcase centred on Light a Lamp, an interactive digital experience developed by OpEzee in collaboration with the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), Bengaluru. MAP shared traditional Indian lamps from its collection, offering visitors an opportunity to explore these objects through detailed 3D digital reproductions.
An integral part of India’s cultural and spiritual traditions, the lamp holds significance across regions, communities and generations. Its presence in religious ceremonies, festivals and household rituals reflects a legacy that goes beyond its functional purpose. The intricate designs and ornamental details also offer insights into India’s diverse metalworking traditions and the skills of its artisans.
Using 3D photogrammetry, the lamps were digitally captured to reproduce their forms, surface textures and craftsmanship. Visitors could explore individual pieces from different angles and symbolically light them through an interactive interface. The experience brought a familiar cultural ritual into a contemporary setting, offering a new way to appreciate the artistry and symbolism behind these traditional objects.
The initiative also highlights the potential of digital documentation in heritage conservation. While physical preservation remains essential, detailed digital records can help document artefacts for future reference and allow museum collections to reach audiences beyond their physical locations. Such approaches can be particularly meaningful in introducing younger generations to objects and traditions that may otherwise remain unfamiliar to them.
For Sandip Nowlakha, Founder of Garden Cafe , the initiative reflects a personal interest in India’s history and the importance of keeping its heritage alive.
He said, “Our heritage is one of our greatest inheritances but it is also a responsibility. Every traditional object, every piece of craftsmanship and every cultural practice carries a story of where we come from. If these stories are not documented, shared and passed on, there is a risk that future generations may know very little about them. I have always believed that heritage should not remain confined to museums or history books; people should have opportunities to experience and connect with it in their everyday lives. What interested me about this initiative was the possibility of using technology to bring our traditional heritage closer to people, especially the younger generation. We must find ways to ensure that what we have inherited does not end with us.”
Nowlakha’s interest in heritage preservation is also reflected in his association with initiatives such as the Murshidabad Heritage Development Society , Atulniya Virasat Manyata Sansthan . Hosting the Heritage Hub at Garden Cafe was an extension of his belief that cultural appreciation and preservation should find a place in everyday community life.
For OpEzee, the Kolkata presentation marks an expansion of its heritage-focused experiential initiatives into Eastern India. Its collaboration with MAP demonstrates how 3D technology can be applied to cultural collections, combining detailed documentation with interactive public engagement.
The Heritage Hub ultimately brings attention to an important aspect of heritage conservation: safeguarding the past also requires finding ways to keep it meaningful in the present. As technology creates new possibilities for documenting and sharing cultural collections, it offers another avenue through which India’s artistic traditions and historical legacy can continue to be appreciated by generations to come.
About Garden Café:
Garden Café – the South Indian vegetarian cafe is one of the oldest cafes in Kolkata, blends tradition and creativity in every dish; operating since 1968 , reimagined by Mr. Sandip Nowlakha in 1981. Garden Cafe among the first to introduce pizza to Kolkata, using a cherished family recipe that continues to win hearts. Since 1982 it has offered 108 varieties of Dosa, each with its own unique taste. Its welcoming and inclusive ambience-designed to make everyone feel at home. The Newtown outlet has a serene, no-frills interior with a transparent-open-kitchen and it beautifully blends tradition with warmth. It also offers a lush green outdoor seating area which adds a fresh and relaxed vibe to the dining experience.
About OpEzee:
OpEzee Private Limited is a Bengaluru-based company creating 3D holograms, immersive and interactive experiences and Experiential AI. It designs and builds the experience centres of the future for institutions and enterprises.
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