“Adda”, identity, and digital culture: Negotiating Bengali informal public life through social media

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of the Bengali cultural practice of ‘adda’ in the context of social media and digital transformation. Traditionally, adda has been an essential feature of Bengali socio-cultural life, functioning as an informal space for intellectual exchange, debate, humour, literature, politics, and interpersonal bonding. Rooted deeply in the cultural history of Kolkata and Bengal, adda historically flourished in physical settings such as royaks, drawing rooms, tea stalls, and neighbourhood spaces, often reflecting the social and literary character of Bengali society. The article traces the historical development of adda and its representation in Bengali literature and public life, while also examining its gradual transformation due to urbanization, political shifts, globalization, and technological advancement. With the emergence of social networking platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, and Telegram, traditional face-to-face adda has increasingly shifted to digital spaces. The study highlights how online communities and social media groups have recreated the spirit of Bengali informal public life by enabling virtual discussions on culture, politics, nostalgia, literature, and identity. Using statistical data on internet and social media usage in India, particularly in Kolkata and West Bengal, the article demonstrates the growing dependence on digital communication. It concludes that while the form of adda has changed from physical to hybrid and digital modes, its cultural essence continues to shape Bengali identity and collective social interaction in contemporary society.