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.
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.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, également connu sous le nom de Netaji (signifiant « leader » en hindi), était l’un des réformistes les plus importants du Mouvement pour l’indépendance de l’Inde. L’édifice que nous connaissons aujourd’hui sous le nom de Netaji Bhavan était autrefois la résidence de Netaji. Géré par le Netaji Research Bureau, cette structure ressemblant à un vieux bungalow abrite un musée ainsi que la bibliothèque et les archives du Netaji Research Bureau. Le musée est divisé en plusieurs salles chacune détaillant certaines phases de la vie du leader. L’étage supérieur abrite des photographies et des documents de la vie et de l’œuvre de Subhash Chandra Bose, présentés par ordre chronologique. La bibliothèque et les archives incluent des collections complètes détaillant le Mouvement pour l’indépendance de l’Inde. Netaji Bhavan abrite également un auditorium (Sarat Bose Hall) qui accueille des événements divers, notamment des conférences et des séminaires. Situé sur Elgin Road, opposite Forum Mall, c’est un endroit incontournable si vous souhaitez en apprendre davantage sur la lutte de l’Inde pour sa liberté.
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.
With the honor of being the 'first modern university' in India, University of Calcutta is one of the leading government aided institutions in the country. Established in 1857, during the British rule, each passing era adds to the glory and success story of this organization. Spread over 6 campuses, it enriches and educates thousands of students each academic year. A wide range of courses in diverse fields like Agriculture, Arts, Engineering and Law are offered here. The alumni roster includes Nobel prize winners Ronald Ross, Rabindra Nath Tagore, C.V.Raman and Amartya Sen, freedom fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, prime ministers, vice presidents and the likes. The on-campus library boasts of a vast collection of books, research archives and other printed materials that are used by students, professors and researchers. The university furthers the all round development by actively involving students in performing arts, literature and extra-curricular activities. To visit or enroll in this reputed university, check the website or call ahead.
One of the biggest mosques in India, the Nakhoda Masjid, originally a lot smaller, is exemplary of the beautiful Indo-Saracenic school of architecture. The majestic red sandstone structure was constructed on the lines of Akbar's tomb in Agra, while its gateway is a replica of the famous Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri. The mosque holds weekly prayers in its spacious hall, welcoming a large numbers of devotees. During festivals, the mosque wonderfully dons neon lights and flowers and the whole area seems to take life. Governed by a board of trustees, the Nakhoda Masjid is a major tourist attractions in the city.
A pristine canopy sheathed in liberal swathes of white, the opulent Marble Palace is an embodiment of elegance and a beauty that transcends the very existence of space and time. A stunning relic of the 19th Century, the palace was built by Raja Rajendra Mullick, and is characterized by a tapestry of walls, flooring and sculptures which are brilliantly-clad in marble. Awash in spectacular semblances of Neoclassical architecture, the palace harbors several collections of western sculpture, artifacts and antique treasures such as clocks, urns and chandeliers, along with paintings by well-known artists such as John Opie, Titian and Murillo. Cloaked in unabashed grandeur, the magnificent interior of the palace spills into rolling, open courtyards which are much reminiscent of the Bengal which once was. Having been responsible for largely shaping the historic and cultural landscape of Kolkata, this timeless palace is adorned with jubilant fountains, glorious sculptures, a string of picturesque Corinthian columns, a serene lake, a rock garden and the Marble Palace Zoo, which shelters a troupe of delightful birds and animals like monkeys and diverse species of deer.