Jalpaiguri- Unique Place of Unity

Bungalow- Jalpaiguri

Jalpaiguri is famous for its dense forest, daydream grassland and also unique natural beauty.
Raj Bangshis are very ancient inhabitants of Jalpaiguri. How they came here, there has a very old history; earlier Mongolians were often come over this place for their trade and other purpose. They had their own culture and identity. Thereafter, time was passed, they were gradually settled at this place and mixed with the ancient tribes; and thus a new class was born, called Raj Bangshis. Other than Raj Bangshi,Lepchas, Limbus, Ravas, Mech and many other tribes are also inhabitants of this place. They are also same important of this place.

Thereafter, British East India Company won this country.  They had also extended their hand at this place. Bengalis were also reached here from East Bengal (Now Bangladesh) to be settled permanently.

British company had come here to extend their business and their main aim was huge profit. Most of the Indian places they had captured and converted into profit. As we all know that British people were very much fond of tea. It is undoubtedly can say that all Indian started to drink tea following British, before that we don’t have idea about tea.

Tea was not cultivated in our country before the British. Their tea habit had opened one new era in India and that was tea business. Earlier, before cultivation of tea in India, tea would come from far England; but that was very expensive. So, alternative way had to think by the British who were lived in India.  But very pointing thing was that tea plantation is not possible in any place, a very special climate is required for tea plantation. Land type is also required something different; sloping land where water will not stored at the root of tea trees. Climate will be cold most of the time, etc. after Darjeeling; this place was right place for tea cultivation.

British businessmen were collect tribal groups for this tea cultivation works from Chhota Nagpur. Thus tribal groups were permanently inhabitants surrounding tea gardens with their traditional god and goddess and also their belief.

Thus the place Jalpaiguri became colorful with all such people. Various arts, cultures, customs, festivals were mixed up with the nature of this place. Not only Jalpaiguri, in all place of India we can see this type of mixing of diversity with their co-existence.

Generally, traditional dance, songs, and also other cultures are generally based on folks. There are so many different groups of people with their so many different folk cultures. One’s festivals attend by other groups and even also take part actively. This is the soul of India.

A short Tour to Kolkata- Part-1

Statue of Rabindranath Tagore

Last month of this year my friends were came to me from Deheradun. They were came Kolkata with their families and two wishes, one is to see Durga Puja which is world famous and second one is Kolkata Tour. Their first wish was fulfilled.

Their second wish was to ‘Kolkata Darshan’( visit to Kolkata). Kolkata, this name is not very old, during the time of leftist Government ruling in West Bengal, especially at the time of Mr. Budhyadeb Bhattacharya as the Chief Minister of Bengal, he renamed this “City of Joy’ ‘Kolkata’. Earlier about 300 years it was known as ‘Calcutta’ for the world.  This is an old city which was established by the British Ruler as this city was their capital of their colonial country. In the year 1857, a history famous battle was fought between Shiraj-Ud-Doulla, Nawab of Bengal and British Army Chief, Lord Carzon at Palasi battle field of Murshidabad. That battle had changed the fate of India and the administrative baton was transferred from Desi Nawab to British Rulers. Thereafter, the British Rulers were won entire India gradually.

One of my friends of Kolkata has a car rental agency. I told him to arrange one big vehicle where 12/13 persons can be accommodated easily and also a driver who knows Kolkata properly. That friend of mine kept his word and arranged as per my requirement. 

We were started our Kolkata tour from Excide More. This is the junction, from where anybody can get transport for any part of the city.

Calcutta Club- Kolkata

Calcutta Club: This is the first Bengali club which was established in the year 1907 and the first president was Mr. Nriependra Narayan, the Maharaja of Cooch Bihar of North Bengal. Lord Minto, the Viceroy of British Government was the first white member of this club. The most noticeable matter is that, before 2007, only men were permitted for membership as per the constitution of the club; after 2007, which point was changed and women are allowed for membership. This is situated on A.J.C.B. Road, Kolkata-20.

Gagendra Nath Shilpa Pradarshanshala

Gagendra Nath Shilpa Pradarshanshala: This is an Art Gallery for Art Exhibitions. It is situated on A.J.C.B. Road, Kolkata-20 and opposite to Calcutta Club.

Sisir Mancha- Kolkata

Sisir Mancha: It is situated on A.J. Bose Road, Kolkata-20 and adjacent to Gagendra Nath Shilp Pradarshanshala. This is an auditorium which was dedicated to the famous Bengali Stage Actor Sirsir Kumar Bhaduri. This auditorium was inaugurated in the year 1978.

Nandan-Kolkata

Nandan: This is also an auditorium for Film and Cultural Programmes. It is situated beside of Sisir Mancha. This auditorium is sponsored by the West Bengal State Government. It was inaugurated on October 1985.

Rabindra Sadan- Kolkata

Rabindra Sadan: This is a famous auditorium for cultural and theatre center. This is situated beside of Nandan. It was inaugurate by the former Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in the month of October 1967. This auditorium was dedicated in the name of the world famous Bengali poet, Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore.

Sundarban: A great place to visit-3

Largest Mangrove Trees- Sundarban

Our two days were passed with the villagers and their stories. Next two days we will pass in the forest and inlets area of the Sundarban. This part of our trip was very adventurous and dangerous too. Because tigers on the land and crocodiles in the water, as a whole we were covered by death, any tine anything could be happened.

Before enter into the forest, Bipul was arranged two villagers who had vast knowledge about Sundarban. They were our path-finders. According to them, we moved very carefully and very consciously, because any time tiger can attack us and then nobody will alive, tiger will not spare anybody. We followed those two villagers and watched the beauty of the forest. Birds were chirping on the banks of trees and watching us very curiously. Then we found a villager who was arranging to collect honey standing under a tree. We observed his activity how to collect honey from honeycomb. That man fired under the honeycomb and huge smoke were created which can’t tolerate by honey bees, they were fled away; in the mean time that man broken the honeycomb and put into his bucket. But during our one day forest trip, we couldn’t find the sign of tigers and we became very frustrated. We went back to nearest Bungalow; two rooms of this bungalow were already booked in our name, before went there we booked these two rooms of the bungalow. 

Next day was full moon day. We have planed our trip calculating this matter of full moon. Because of full moon Sundarban looks very pleasant and charming, moonlight was fallen in every places of Sundarban. Generally, in winter the day becomes smaller than summer day, at 6 pm, the entire area were covered by night darkness. Bipul came to us with the news that Vutvuti-boat is ready for journey. Bipul was managed one person who had vast knowledge about the inlets paths of Sundarban.

We started our journey. The entire area was bright lighted by full moon. A dreaming sequence was created at the both sides of the inlets. The Vutvuti was proceeding very slowly and we were watching both sides of Sundarban. Entire night we moved on most of the inlets and enjoyed much. That night I will never forget in my life.

Sundarban is very near to Calcutta. This is ideal for weekend trip. If anybody wants to go without package, then first take train from Sealdha South Station for Canning. From Canning will get conveyance upto Ferrighat. There is arrangement of Launch, Vutvuti, Boat, etc to go Sundarban. There is the system of taking permission from forest department and entry fees. After completing, there are two options, either stay at lodge, Village or at Bungalow. In non-package program, the entire arrangement will have to done by the concern person. That might not be the problem for local visitors; but this might be the problem for any foreigner. In that case, this is better to contact with any travel company or West Bengal Tourism Department. The will take total charges as per their package and entire tour will be conducted by them only. So there is no headache for travelers and the trip will be very comfortable.

In my next blog I will try to give more information about better tourism companies of Bengal in details.

Eagle catching fish- Sundarban

Sundarban: A great place to visit-1

Royal Bengal Tiger-Sundarban

Sundarban means the Beautiful Forest.


Sundarban is a great attraction place of West Bengal which is one of the provinces of India. This is very adventurous place in India. This is the place of the great Royal Bengal Tiger. Sundarban is famous for three things; one is Mangrove Trees, second is Sundari Trees and third is Royal Bengal Tiger.

Sundarban is an inland on Bay of Bengal which is distributed in two parts, the major part of this forest is under the Indian Territory and remaining part is in adjacent country Bangladesh. From this point of view, Royal Bengal Tigers have common corridor for two countries. They don’t need passport to move within these two countries. I am joking. Sundarban is covered by canals and these canals are connected with the estuary of Bay of Bengal that is very nearby of this forest.
Other than Royal Bengal Tiger, there is very dangerous type of crocodiles. These two types of animals are very clever in nature and both of them are man eater. Some time, tigers are use to across the canals and reach to the nearest villages for their food. Generally tigers reach at the villages with the target of domestic animals of the villagers and they do it very cleverly; but when villagers try to protect their domestic animals, then tigers attack the villagers. Crocodiles are mostly eat fishes of the canals and dead animals which thrown to the canals by the villagers. Some time, they also eat those villagers who get into the water of canals for fishing.

There are different types of dangerous animals also exist in Sundarban area. Though they are generally eat withered flash which was left by the tigers. But they are very harmful for human, as they get chance they can attack people also.

Various types of birds also exist in Sundarban. This is also another attraction of Sundarban. Apart from that, in winter season, various types of guest birds use to come here from various part of the world. They generally stay at Sundarban for two-three months and during this time they hatch and take birth of new kids of them.

The natural beauty of Sundarban is very unique especially canals part. There is a common water transport called ‘Vutvuti’. Such name comes due to the sound of such vessel and this sound comes from the engine of the vessel. It has different size, small, medium, big and the fare of this boat is also different according to the size. If anyone wants to enjoy the beauty of the both side of the inlets properly, he has to book one separate vutvuti and pass through the inlets of Sundarban. The beauties of inlets are increased to a maximum number in full moon day. We are lucky that we had got chance to visit Sundarban in a full moon day. Throughout the night we stayed in such medium vutvuti and floated in most of the inlets of canals and watched the soundless atmosphere of both sides of the Sundarban. Our experience was very amazing.

In next blog I will try to write our tour plan and other information who to conduct an adventurous tour to Sundarban. 

More About-Kolkata-New Edition: 02

Birla Planetarium

 Birla Planetarium: The shape of this planetarium is round. This one storied building. The style of structure of this planetarium is like Buddhist art of stupa. It is situated just opposite footpath of Victoria Memorial. This planetarium is largest in India and 2nd largest in world. Birla Group is one of the eminent and famous business groups of India. They have built lot of famous establishments in India such this planetarium. There are also another two planetariums in Chennai and Hyderabad.  It is called by the common people “Taramandal”. On 2nd July 1963, this planetarium was inaugurated by the former Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. This is an astronomy gallery which contains huge fine paintings. The entire ceiling of the auditorium is specially designed like an umbrella which is full of stars and solar world. This is actually a big space world. The show is generally conducted within 12.00 PM to 7.00 PM and different regional language with Bengali. Huge spectators are come here from various parts of the country and as well as from various parts of the world. This is also another attraction of Kolkata.

Nandan Auditorium: This is a state Government made auditorium. This is build for the  development of film and culture of Kolkata. Many film festivals were held here since opening. In 1980, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal was laid the stone of such auditorium.
 
Rabindra Sadan: This auditorium is situated adjacent to Nadan. On 5th August 1961, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first and former Prime Mister of India was inaugurated this Rabindra Sadan. This auditorium is dedicated in the name of world famous Bengali poet and lyrist Kabiguru Rabindra Nath Tagore. This is also a state of art of Bengal.


Academy of Fine Arts: Academy of Fine Arts was earlier established in the year 1933. Earlier it was a single room within the India museum. Later on in 1950, it was shifted to present place and this was possible for Lady Ranu Mukherjee, former Chief Minister Mr. Bidhan Chandra Roy and the former Prime Minister of India Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru. It is situated on the Cathedral Road of South Kolkata. There are preserved different paintings of famous painters.

Saint Paul’s Cathedral Church: This is an island of attraction of Kolkata. this building was started by the Bishop Daniel Wilson in the year 1839 and the same was completed in the year 1847. This church is made of Gothic Revival style. One British Military engineer Major William Nairm Forbes was designed this church with the assistance of Mr. C.K. Robinson. It’s all windows is made of stained glass.

More About-Kolkata-New Edition: 01

Victoria Memorial

The name of the city- Kolkata is newly changed. Earlier the name of this city was Calcutta. It was the capital of British India. Near about 200 years, India was under the ruling of British Queen. On 15th August 1947, this country became independent.

Victoria Memorial: British Government was ruled in India in the name of Queen Victoria. Victoria Memorial was built by the Indian British ruler as the magnificent monument with the glassy white marble acquiring huge area of land. The most remarkable thing of this Memorial is that at the a revolving statue of angle with Bugle blowing. It moves automatically any of the four sides according to the wind blow. Its indicate the trend of side of wind blow.  This is the one of the attraction of this place. This Victoria Memorial is situated at the center and surrounding this monument, huge green grass covered field, gardens, big pond, etc. it can be suggested a piece of fresh breathing within the busy city. It has two parts, one is the glassy marble made Victoria Memorial Palace and next one is its beautiful gardens with pond and different types of colorful flowers. Inside of the memorial, there is a museum where various and different types mementos of British period are kept for showing to the visitors. There are so many different types of long and high trees surrounding this monument. Earlier, most of the people would come here for morning walk. Then there was no entry fee for the garden are. But now it is implemented due to control unwanted rush and keep the area of this place clean. Now the entry of common people within this area is restricted by time of entry; form garden, the time is 5.30 AM to 7.00PM and Museum entry time is 10.00AM to 6.00PM. The contact number is: +91033-2223 8109. The nearest Airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and airport is just 16 km far from the Victoria Memorial. Hotels which are nearby of this monument of Art, Grand Oberoi, Taj Bengal, these are 5 stars hotels. Other than these hotels, there are many 3 starts and ordinary hotel near this Victoria Memorial.

Elliot Park -Kolkata

Elliot Park: Elliot Park is just behind of Victoria Memorial. This is a public park. This is very beautiful place of freshness and pleasing park in the city. This park is covered by trees, decorated bushes and there is also a beautiful fountain. At the night this fountain looks very beautiful for its different color changing lighting. Here has food stalls. This place is perfect for picnic.

Musical Fountain- Mohor Kunja

Mohor Kunja Park: Earlier it was Citizen’s Park. Thereafter it’s name was change to Mohor Kunja Park. This name was kept in the honor of famous Rabindra Sangeet Singer Kanika Bandyopadhyay. It is also famous for its musical fountains and for musical open stage for singers, dramatists, etc.

Purulia- Part-04=Festival & Culture

Picture of Lord Shiva

Most of the people of Purulia district are tribes. Most of them are live under the poverty line. Their monthly income is very poor that they can’t provide their minimum basic needs of the life. Even then, according to their income, they manage all of their festivals and cultures and thus they have been carrying the torch of traditional festivals and culture of Purulia.

Picture of the Fair of Shiver Gajan

Shiber Gajan: The meaning of “Gajan” is songs; so, Siber Gajan means, songs of Lord of Shiva. Between March and May is the proper time of such festival. During this period all villagers of Purulia organized this festival. This time of festival, big melas or fairs are organized in different parts of the district by various community people; they sing various songs to admire to Lord Shiva and Goddess Gaudi. On this occasion various dance forms are performed like Natua, Bhagta,Theatre, Nanchi and Chhau with the various color of songs like Jhumur, etc. most remarkable of this Siber Gajan, the Bahurupi Sang group of the village, dress up themselves like Lord Shiva and Gaudi and move village to village and collect some rupees by showing Shiva Nritya and Gajan  with the accessories like Dholak(Drum), Kanshar ( one kind of round metal item and also flute. Such Shiber Gajan and fair are generally continue for three- four days.

Disum Sendra

Disum Sendra: This is called Shikar Parab means Hunting Festival. During the month of April and May of each year, during full moon, such hunting festival is taken place at the Ayodhya Hills. Generally this festival is the symbol of adulthood. Those people who are recently reach their adulthood drink brew (brew means Mahul Juice) and move forward on their hunting adventure.
Dharma Thakurer Puja: This is a famous god of the cast like Bauri, Bagdi, Hari and Dom of the village. Every year from the middle of April to middle of May, such villagers are worship to Dharma Thakurer Puja. This kind of god is normally is a big piece of stone to whom villagers are worship as god and such god is kept under a tree and open place.
Rohini Utsav: Farmers of Purulia district are generally distinguish this Rohini Utsav. Every year in the last week of May, farmers are plant seeds and celebrate.This hope is for future corps which will comes from seeds that they have planted.
Sun Festival: Normally this festival is called Poush Parbon. This is very popular festival in Bengal. Most of the districts of Bengal are arrange this festival. Most of the farmers’ families are being delighted during this festival. On 14th January of every year this festival is celebrated by the Bengali farmers. During this festival, Bengali females of farmers families are generally arrange various Bengali sweets, coconut and milk and offer to the god. This is the worship of Sun as god. This worship season is Poush Sankranti; this is a very delighted festival.