Kolkata is a vibrant and bustling city located in the eastern part of India. It is the capital city of the state of West Bengal and is known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and friendly people. In this blog, we will explore the many unique features of Kolkata that make it such a fascinating and exciting place to visit.

History and Culture

Kolkata has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 17th century when it was founded by the British East India Company. Over the years, Kolkata has been a center of trade, commerce, and culture, and has played an important role in the development of modern India.

-Kolkata is known for its unique blend of Indian and British colonial architecture, which can be seen in the many historic buildings and landmarks throughout the city. Some of the most notable examples of this architecture include …

Victoria Memorial

Kolkata has the famous Victoria Memorial which reminds us of the Victorian era. It is built on about 65 acres of land. There is a green garden around the Victoria Memorial which makes the heart happy. The beauty of the Victoria Memorial building increases at night. Much information related to history is obtained here. The museum here is informative. The Victoria Memorial is illuminated in the evening, making it more beautiful.

Howrah Bridge

There is a famous bridge that connects Kolkata, and Howrah which is called Howrah Bridge. The view of Howrah Bridge in front of the Ganges River at night looks very beautiful because the Bridge here is decorated with lights that look amazing at night.

  Howrah Bridge is the means of movement of over one lakh transport every day and possibly more than 150,000 pedestrians, easily making it the busiest cantilever bridge in the world. This was the third-longest cantilever bridge at the time of its construction.  The Howrah Bridge is currently the sixth-longest bridge of its type in the world.

My office was very near to this Howrah bridge, Sometimes, I used to visit the bridge in the evening with friends to enjoy the beautiful sight because Howrah Bridge is a major center of sightseeing in Kolkata. countless people walk through this bridge on foot. Because of this bridge, traffic has become very easy, and call as the life line of Kolkata.

St Paul’s Cathedral Church

St Paul’s Cathedral is acknowledged as the first Episcopal Church in the eastern world. It is an Anglican cathedral of the Church of North India. Besides, being a religious site, the cathedral is also an architectural marvel.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is 247 feet in length, 81 feet in width, and 114 feet at the transept.

 The St. Paul’s Cathedral took eight years to be built at a whopping cost of Rs. 5 lakhs and was finally consecrated by Bishop Wilson on 8th October 1847.

This church resembled England’s Norwich Cathedral with three Gothic stained glass windows and two frescoes in Florentine Renaissance style.

 There are several sculptures and memorials like the “Episcopal Throne” and an ornamented wall – Reredo, carved with incidents from the life of St. Paul.

It is located at the southern end of the Maidan, to the eastern side of the majestic Victoria Memorial..

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Located in Dakshineswar,  North 24 Pargannear Kolkata, This  Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, the presiding deity of the temple is Bhavatarini, an aspect of Kali.

Rani Rashmoni Devi established this magnificent temple of Bhavatarini at Dakshineswar in 1855.

Legend

According to the legends, once Rashmoni Devi was preparing to go for a pilgrimage to Kashi along with her 24 boats. The night before the pilgrimage, she got a vision from the Divine Mother. In that vision, Goddess Kali said to her to build a temple for Her by the banks of the Hooghly River. She even confirmed that She will settle there and the Rani won’t have to travel to Kashi anymore. The Rani did so and this is how the temple of Dakshineswar was built.

Architecture

The temple of Dakshineswar Kali Ma was built in a typical Bengal style of temple architecture. There are 9 spires called the Nava-Ratna in the temple shaped in a chariot form with fixed wheels on both sides. The height of the temple is 30 m.

The sanctum sanctorum is where the Holy Mother is placed on a huge silver throne. The idol of Goddess Bhavatarini is made of black stone and Lord Shiva is lying under Her foot. There are 12 Shiva Temples made in aat chala style towards the ghat. There is also a temple of Shri Vishnu, the Radha Kanta’s temple beside the main Temple of Kali ma.

Friends

Kolkata is a unique and fascinating city that is full of history, culture, and delicious cuisine. I have spent a long 15 years of my life here.. This city makes all the people its own. This city celebrates all types the festivals with great zeal and enthusiasm. the atmosphere of this city is always pleasant..

The belongingness of the people of this city touches everyone’s heart. That’s why this city is close to my heart. Every countryman must visit this city to feel the beauty of Kolkata.- (To be continued)

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