Belur Math est une beauté architecturale située sur les rives Ouest du Hooghly. Caractérisé par plusieurs dômes créant une formidable harmonie esthétique, c’est le siège du Ramakrishna Math et de la Mission Ramakrishna. Ces deux institutions sont dédiées au « Védanta », une secte philosophique hindou, faisant la promotion de l’harmonie à travers les religions et les frontières. Le Ramakrishna Math, une organisation monastique, et la Mission Ramakrishna, une société dédiée à des activités philanthropiques, totalisent 171 filiales réparties à travers l’Inde et d’autres régions du monde. À l’intérieur de Belur Math, vous trouverez des temples rendant hommage à Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sarada Devi et Swami Vivekananda, reflétant tous mélodieusement différents styles architecturaux et détails religieux. Swami Vivekananda, qui supervisa la construction du complexe, utilisa des symboles de la chrétienté, de l’islam et de l’hindouisme en tant que rappel du message de Ramakrishna. Occupant 16 hectares, le complexe abrite également le musée Ramakrishna et une librairie. Bâti en 1938, Belur Math est la destination de pèlerinage la plus importante de Calcutta, généralement visitée en même temps que le temple de Kali à Dakshineshwar, Path Bari et Kanch Mandir. Vous pouvez tous les visiter en faisant appel au service d’embarcadère disponible à l’extérieur de Belur Math.
Le 54 Bose Road est l’une des adresses les plus célèbres de Calcutta et une destination incontournable pour tous les touristes visitant la ville. Méritant bien son nom, la Mother House est le siège des Missionnaires de la Charité, vision de Mère Teresa visant à répandre l’espoir et l’amour face au désespoir. Même aujourd’hui, les sœurs de la Charité de Mère Teresa, vêtues de leurs caractéristiques saris brodés bleus, continuent de donner vie à son œuvre. Les visiteurs peuvent lui rendre hommage sur sa tombe et visiter le musée qui présente des objets de son quotidien, notamment des sandales et un bol usé, reflétant sa simplicité. Invoquant la paix et un éventail d’émotions différentes, ce site vous permettra d’en savoir davantage sur la vie de l’un des êtres humains les plus généreux à avoir jamais vécu.
Eden Gardens is not only an integral part of Kolkata city, but is also an important landmark in the International cricket map. The stadium is named after the adjoining Eden Gardens. Right from 1864, it has seen cricket records being made and broken by iconic players. What makes this stadium exclusive from its counterparts is the passion of the crowds towards the game. The player's concentration is almost put to test amidst the loud cheer and noise. Though the unruly behavior of the fans has resulted in match disruptions, this stadium still remains a favorite among all cricketers. Notable performances at Eden Gardens include bowler Harbhajan Singh's hat-trick against the Australians in 2000-01 and the 281 runs scored by VVS Laxman, in the same season, which is the highest individual score recorded at this ground. Try and visit Eden Gardens during a match to feel the excitement in the air.
Established in 1959, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum is a parent body to all Science Centers and Museums under the National Council of Science Museums and holds the distinction of being the first Science and Industrial museum in the country. BITM started as a hardcore museum documenting the history of scientific growth with galleries of Communication, Iron & Steel, Popular Science, Transport, Electronics and TV. However, to keep up with the rapid progress of science and technology, it is now a full-fledged Science Center with an aim to inculcate in visitors the basic principles of science. While it retains the original galleries, BITM has introduced a myriad interactive exhibits and educational shows like Fun Science Show, Science Magic Show, Fascinating Physics show, etc. Although the vast contents of this museum would help any visitor, children and students are the main target audience here. The science center also organizes a number of events throughout the year including lectures, seminars and exhibitions that cover important and relevant topics. Check website for details on daily shows, student tours etc.
When you stand in front of the building, you are bound to wonder why the academy needs such a high-storied structure to operate from. But once you step inside, any such questions are rightfully and aesthetically, laid to rest. Established in 1967, the Birla Academy of Art & Culture has been a staunch proponent of the arts in Kolkata. The museum within the academy has a number of collections including Indian, international and contemporary paintings as well as sculptures. However, most of its eleven floors are usually occupied by interesting temporary exhibitions and fairs. The library is well-equipped with a number of resources on various forms of art and culture. Apart from this, the academy also frequently organizes cultural events as well as educational lectures, seminars and summer classes on art. An annually held event called Kala Mela is aimed at showcasing upcoming local artists. Located right next to Lake Kalibari, you will always find something that piques your interest at this art hub!
La déesse indienne Kali joue un rôle crucial pour Calcutta et ses habitants. L’un des sites religieux les plus importants du Bengale occidental, le temple de Dakshineswar est marqué par une structure Navaratna bengali traditionnelle, un style caractérisé par neuf flèches dédiées à Kali et à ses nombreuses manifestations, en particulier Bhavatarini. Ce sanctuaire resplendissant est entouré d’une série de plusieurs autres temples plus petits, notamment les neuf temples de Shiva Temples et le temple de Radha Krishna. Le temple de Kali à Dakshineswar se caractérise par des nuances de jaune et de rouge, tandis que les vêtements colorés des pèlerins créent une palette intense et intéressante. Également connu pour avoir servi de résidence au leader spirituel et mystique Rama Krishna Paramahansa par le passé, ce temple abrite également un sanctuaire blanc renfermant la statue de Rani Rashmonin Devi (à qui l’on peut attribuer la construction du temple), dans sa cour. Somptueux et élégant, ce temple abrite un grand parc de stationnement qui accueille le flux régulier de fidèles. Les eaux du Hooghly et le pont Vivekananda Setu forment une magnifique toile de fond pour ce temple qui est célèbre pour son profond dévouement au très vénéré maître de yoga mystique Ramakrishna. S’élevant fièrement sur un piédestal accessible par des escaliers, le temple de Kali est visité chaque jour par de nombreux pèlerins.
Mohun Bagan Athletic Club Ground was opened as a multipurpose stadium in 1963. The stadium is owned by Mohan Bagan, a reputed football club of India. Though the ground is solely used as a practice ground, it has hosted several fixtures between recognized football teams, one of them being Mohan Bagan vs FC Ararat, which was part of 1978 IFA Shield Final. As the stadium is one of the oldest, it is viewed as a heritage stadium in Kolkata and has undergone renovations a number of times. The stadium has three arcades, out of which one has cushion seats, and is reserved for the members of the club. It is a great source of recreation for the locals and also serves as a play ground for people.
Capital of the state of West Bengal, Kolkata rises from the banks of the River Hooghly and has historically been an important trade hub. The British East India Company chose the city precisely for this reason and it served as the capital of India during the British Raj until 1911, after which the capital shifted to Delhi. Few places are the remnants of British colonialism more evident than in Kolkata's wide boulevards and imposing public buildings. As the seat of 'Bengal Renaissance' during the British Raj, Kolkata produced many gurus such as Rabindranath Tagore. Master filmmaker Satyajit Ray is another notable figure who catapulted the city into the spotlight. This artistic legacy continues at venues like Nandan and Rabindra Sadan, that organize various events spanning music, art, literature, dance, and film. Kolkata is also widely known for the amazing range of food offered, both fine dining and street food. Landmarks include attractions like Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Belur Math, markets like New Market and detail Kumartuli and landmarks like Vidyasagar Setu and Howrah Bridge.
Asutosh Museum of Indian Art is the only museum which is located within the main campus of University of Calcutta. It was established in the year 1937. Some of the noteworthy things in the museum are YAKSHINI with PANCHACHUDA Terracotta Chandraketugarh, YAKSHINI Terracotta Bangarh, SURYA Black Basalt Kasipur and Portrait Head Black Basalt Agradigun. In the year 1959, the University of Calcutta started a Postgraduate Diploma Course in Museology. The museum itself functions as a laboratory for this course. The objective of the museum is to collect and preserve various specimens of different phases of Indian art. It gives special emphasis on the art of Bengal.
The city of Kolkata has many prestigious educational institutes, Hindu School being one of them. The school's reputation has been built over the years with precious contributions and efforts of renowned educationalists like Maharaja Radhakanta Deb, David Hare, Diwan Baidya Nath Mukherjee. The school has always maintained an unconventional and futuristic approach towards education; back in 1817, when all schools stressed on textbook approach to studies, Hindu School adopted a practical approach to learning. Modern teaching practices were blended with traditional methods, thus exposing the students to a broader spectrum. What distinguished Hindu school from its counterparts is the fact that, it was an English Medium school. With such a great history, Hindu school is surely one of the premier schools in India. Currently, it is a boys school that offers education from classes I – XII. While in Kolkata, do visit this school, that changed and modernized the Indian education system.