Two Clubs, One City: What’s the True Essence of Kolkata’s Derby?

Walking through Kolkata’s streets on a lazy winter afternoon, you might see the usual scene of bustling hawkers and quiet lanes typical of a Sunday. But take a turn onto Gostho Paul Sarani, and everything changes. Green and maroon jerseys, energetic chants, and police on horseback tell you one thing: it’s derby day. For more than 100 years, Mohun Bagan faces East Bengal in a derby match that’s more than just football. This rivalry, rooted in history and culture, unites and divides fans in a way few others can. Imagine a stadium where every goal echoes stories of past glories, every chant reflects deep-seated cultural pride, and every banner carries a political message. What happens when a football match becomes a stage for broader social narratives? The answer might surprise you.

What makes a sport more than just a game? Walking through the streets of Kolkata on a languid winter afternoon, you might notice the casual gatherings of hawkers and the quiet, deserted lanes typical of a Sunday. But a quick turn to the Gostho Paul Sarani reveals an entirely different scene. Fans adorned in green and maroon jerseys are energetically chanting, “Amra Kara? Mohun Bagan/Who are we? Mohun Bagan.” Just around the corner, police on horseback maintain order as crowds flock to get their matchday tickets. The atmosphere is electric because today is not just any day; it’s derby day. Mohun Bagan faces East Bengal in the much-anticipated first-round match of the I-league.

Both clubs, located within a stone’s throw of each other, boast remarkable histories. Mohun Bagan made history in 1911 by becoming the first Indian club to defeat several British teams and clinch the IFA Shield. This victory transcended sports, uniting Hindus and Muslims of Bengal during a time of division. In contrast, East Bengal achieved a landmark victory in 2003 by winning the ASEAN Club Championship, the first Indian team to do so on foreign soil, sparking jubilant celebrations back home.

The first clash between these two titans happened in August 1921, ending in a goalless draw. Since then, the rivalry has seen over three hundred encounters, each match a testament to their enduring competition. The rivalry is not just about football; it’s deeply rooted in the cultural identities of the fans. Mohun Bagan supporters, or Ghotis, hail from the western parts of Bengal, while East Bengal fans, or Bangals, trace their origins to eastern Bengal, now Bangladesh. The partition of 1947 intensified this rivalry, with each match becoming a proxy for deeper historical and cultural conflicts.

On 19th January 2020, as Mohun Bagan and East Bengal prepared to face off, fans filled the galleries with creative tifos and banners. East Bengal’s gallery displayed giant tifos depicting “Bangal, the Great,” a superhero-like figure, tackling the controversial issue of the National Register of Citizens. These displays, though humorous, highlighted the political and social issues that resonate with the fans. Football has always been a space for cultural expression, and Kolkata’s derby is no different. Fans use the stadium to voice their opinions on pressing political matters. This is reminiscent of Barcelona fans under Franco’s Spain, where the Nou Camp became a symbol of Catalan resistance. Similarly, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal fans have transformed their tifos and banners into platforms for political and social commentary. The January match saw them addressing national issues, showing a rare unity despite their on-field rivalry.

Imagine a young boy named Arup, who grows up hearing tales from his grandfather about the legendary Gostho Paul and his iron defense that stood tall against the British teams. Each story paints vivid pictures in Arup’s mind, filled with the fervor and passion that once fueled the streets of Kolkata. His grandfather’s eyes light up as he recalls the nineteen eleven victory, a moment etched in time, when an entire nation found hope and pride in a football match. Arup’s father, on the other hand, relives the thrill of East Bengal’s ASEAN Club Championship victory in 2003, a defining moment that brought international acclaim to Indian football.

The concept of “supporter culture” in football is often split into “good” and “bad” behavior. While hooliganism is considered negative, the carnival-like atmosphere created by fans’ songs and slogans is seen positively. However, these simplistic labels fail to capture the complexity of fan behavior. The Kolkata derby, though sometimes marred by scuffles, saw fans from both sides coming together to make political statements. This demonstrates an “elective affinity,” a term that highlights how contextual and contingent relationships can form a foundation for resistance and contestation.

Consider the story of Ananya, a staunch Mohun Bagan supporter, and her best friend, Rahul, an ardent East Bengal fan. Despite their fierce loyalty to opposing teams, they find themselves united in their discontent with the political climate. On derby day, Ananya and Rahul stand in their respective galleries, waving banners that, although painted in different colors, carry a unified message of resistance against policies they believe to be unjust. Their friendship, like many others, embodies the paradox of rivalry and solidarity that defines the Kolkata derby.

On that day, around sixty thousand fans witnessed Mohun Bagan taking a two-goal lead, only for East Bengal to score a late goal, making for a tense finish. Mohun Bagan held on to their lead, sparking jubilant celebrations among their fans. As East Bengal supporters quietly left the stadium, the significance of the fans’ unified political message lingered. In a country where sports figures often shy away from political stances, these fans showed that sports could be a powerful vehicle for resistance and solidarity.

From this tale of rivalry and unity, three key lessons emerge. First, the emotional investment of fans goes beyond the game, intertwining with their cultural identities and histories. This is much like how people cherish old family recipes; the food itself might be simple, but the memories and emotions tied to it make it priceless. Second, the stadium becomes a stage for broader social and political narratives, much like a theater where real-life issues play out. Think of it as a town hall meeting where people come to voice their concerns, but with the added passion and drama of a sporting event. Third, in times of division, even the fiercest rivals can find common ground, demonstrating that sports can transcend competition and foster solidarity.

In the context of financial theories, consider the efficient market hypothesis. Fans, like investors, often act on both rational analysis and emotional impulses. The decision to support a team is not always based on their current performance but on historical loyalty and personal connections. Just as investors sometimes hold onto stocks out of nostalgia or hope, fans cling to their teams through thick and thin.

The second theory relates to behavioral finance, where psychological factors influence financial decisions. The euphoria of a derby win can be compared to the irrational exuberance seen in stock market bubbles. Fans’ behavior in the stands, driven by passion and emotion, mirrors how investors might react to market trends based on sentiment rather than fundamentals.

Lastly, the concept of risk and return in finance parallels the gamble fans take in their unwavering support. Investing in a football club’s success, especially a rival match, brings emotional highs and lows, much like the unpredictable returns on a risky investment. The joy of a victory is akin to a stock outperforming expectations, while the agony of defeat feels like a financial loss.

So, what makes a sport more than just a game? It’s the stories, the passions, and the collective voices of the fans that elevate it beyond mere entertainment. In the end, we must ask: Can sports, often seen as a distraction from the real world, actually be a powerful force for change and unity? The tales of Arup, Ananya, and Rahul suggest that they can. The stadium, much like a community square, becomes a place where the spirit of togetherness and the quest for justice find a common ground.

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