West Bengal is a state in eastern India. West Bengal has a diverse geography that includes the Himalayan mountain ranges in the north, the fertile Gangetic plains in the south, and the Sundarbans mangrove forest in the southwest. The state is crisscrossed by several rivers, with the Ganges being the most prominent. est Bengal has a vibrant culture with a strong emphasis on literature, music, dance, and the arts. It is the birthplace of famous poets and Nobel laureates like Rabindranath Tagore. The state is also known for its traditional dance forms like Kathak and various styles of folk music.
Nobody is quite sure how Chowringhee, one of Kolkata’s most iconic roads, got its name. Chowringhee, not quite an arterial road but one of the city’s longest thoroughfares today, connects two parts of the city — Kalighat and Dharmatolla — to each other. Chowringhee is one of the best addresses in Kolkata. It still oozes of the imperial heritage. The building nearby are majestic and imposing and reminds of the British raj.
Kolkata's Durga Puja has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as of December 15, 2021, marking a proud moment for India and Bengal. This festival honors Goddess Durga's victory over evil, blending spirituality and artistry. Beyond its religious significance, Durga Puja fosters community bonding and creativity, featuring elaborate themes and craftsmanship. Its recognition underscores its role as a cultural treasure, promoting unity among diverse groups.
The Nalateshwari Temple is situated in the Nalhati town of Birbhum district in West Bengal. The town Nalhati is named after Nalateshwari temple, one of the 51 Sakti Peethas. It is around 25 km from Tarapith. The Shakti Pitha (Sanskrit: शक्ति पीठ) are significant shrines and pilgrimage destinations in Shaktism, the goddess-focused Hindu tradition. This temple is believed to be erected at the spot where the ‘Nala’, (Vocal chord with part of the tracheae), the throat of Goddess Sati (Sakti) had fallen. In Bengali, the larynx is known as 'Nala'. This is the source from which the deity is known as Maa Nalateswari and the place is also named Nalhati, for the shrine.
On a crisp December morning, I traced the borders of history and heritage near Basirhat, India. Taki, nestled along the Ichhamati River, holds a special place in my heart as a repository of family lore and cultural richness. Once home to influential zamindars, Taki now wears a quieter charm. The town is known for its proximity to the international border with Bangladesh, marked by the serene Ichhamati River. Our brief visit, constrained by time, was rich with experiences and promises of future returns. Taki remains etched in memory—a place where borders blur, and history comes alive with each gentle ripple of the river.
Chandraketugarh, an ancient archaeological site in West Bengal, was once a bustling trade hub dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Named after King Chandraketu, the city flourished till the 12th century CE. Boasting artifacts and structures from various civilizations, it showcases a blend of indigenous Indian culture and influences from Greece, Persia, and Southeast Asia. Chandraketugarh, also possibly the ancient capital of Vanga and the kingdom of Gangaridai, remains a mystery due to inadequate research and awareness. The West Bengal state government established a museum in 2017 to protect its artifacts.
Kolkata's rich cultural heritage is reflected through its landmarks such as the iconic Howrah Bridge and Hooghly River, both deeply intertwined with the city's history. The Hooghly river, a key distributary of the holy Ganga River, was vital for establishing several international trade settlements including the East India Company's base, Calcutta. Several sites of historic and cultural significance, including the Howrah Bridge, the Nimtala Crematorium, and Belur Math, reside along the river's banks, making a river cruise an immersive experience into Kolkata's past and present.
On a summer day, I reminisced about a culinary adventure at Oh! Calcutta in Kolkata, where I first tasted Nolen Gurer Ice Cream, a delicacy that combines the rich flavor of Nolen Gur, a traditional Bengali jaggery. This creamy dessert, with its complex sweetness and artisanal preparation, represents the essence of Bengali cuisine, celebrating the region's heritage and seasonal treasures. Food, indeed, transcends sustenance.
The Teesta River, originating from the Pahunri glacier, is a 309 km long lifeline flowing through Sikkim and West Bengal in India, and into Bangladesh. Known for its turquoise splendour, the river runs parallel to the National Highway 10, providing a scenic journey amidst green forests. The river's greenish hue is attributed to the presence of blue-green algae and rock flour. It is rich in folklore, considered a creation of the Mother Creator, Itbu-moo, in Lepcha legends, and a symbol of a never-ending desire in Kalika Purana.
Sometimes, all you need is the sea breeze, the lull of waves, and a break from city chaos. Our spontaneous escape to Chandpur — a quiet beach between Tajpur and Shankarpur — became a revelation. From sipping tea under cloudy skies to savoring masala crab in a seaside shack, Chandpur offered serenity, solitude, and stories of the sea. Some places don’t just exist on maps — they live in memory.
The cultural display at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport featured traditional Bengali masks, or mukhosh, promoting Bengal’s rich heritage. This initiative, by the Biswa Bangla Marketing Corporation, highlights mask-making's historical significance in spirituality and folklore, preserving this unique craft for future generations amid modern challenges and growing global interest.
