Shobhabazar Rajbari

Shobhabazar Rajbari- a heritage destination of Kolkata

The famous Rajbari or the king’s palace of Kolkata, Shobhabazar Rajbari is a palace where the old traditional culture of West Bengal is still alive. Presently the descendants of the royal family of Shobhabazar live here. It is famous since the rule of the British East India Company. Durga Puja is the main activity that is celebrated here till now in the month of October every year. It is celebrated with great vigor and is a major attraction of the public among all the Hindu festivals. Many famous personalities are said to have arrived here. Among those dignities are Sadhak Ramprasad( the songwriter of (Shyama sangeet), Si Ramkrishna and his disciple Swami Vivekananda, Rabindra Nath Tagore, and Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Raja Naba Krishna Deb, the founder of the Rajbari is an ideal aristocrat and was the supporter of the Brahmo Samaj Movement, which was initiated by Raja Rammohan Roy.

Essential information

Here is some essential information about Shobhabazar Rajbari in Kolkata, India:

• Location: Shobhabazar Rajbari is located in the north of Kolkata, in the Shobhabazar area.
• History: Shobhabazar Rajbari is a historic palace that was once the residence of the wealthy Shobhabazar royal family. It is a beautiful example of traditional Bengali architecture and has been well-preserved over the years.
• Visiting Hours: The visiting hours for Shobhabazar Rajbari may vary, but it is typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is best to check with the local tourist information center or the Rajbari itself for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours.
• Admission Fee: There may be an admission fee to enter Shobhabazar Rajbari, but the amount can vary. It is best to check with the local tourist information center or the Rajbari itself for the most up-to-date information on admission fees.
• Facilities: There may be basic facilities available at Shobhabazar Rajbari, such as restrooms and drinking water. However, it is best to come prepared with any necessary supplies or provisions, such as snacks and water.

These are some of the essential pieces of information about Shobhabazar Rajbari that you should know before visiting.

History

Being the founder of the property, Raja Nabo Krishna Deb who acquired enough wealth from his service to the British raj managed to build such a great Rajbari in the region. He insisted the British helped them to fight against the Nawab of Bengal, Ssiraj-ud-Daula. The Raja constructed two houses throughout his lifetime. The building that stands n 35 Raja Naba Krishna Street is said to be the first house built by him. This house is also known as ‘’singhabari’ which means a house with lions as there stand the statues of two lions at the main entrance gate of the house. This house is inherited by his son-in-law who was then adopted by him from his elder brother. His own son Radhakanto Deb also inherits the property. The other house that stands on 33 Raja Naba Krishna Street was built by his younger son.

The cultural importance of the palace

After the British defeated the Nawab of Bengal at the Battle of Plessey, the Raja started celebrating Durga Puja at his palace in the year 1757. On the occasion, British rulers like Warren Hastings and Lord Clive used to be invited. The second famous incident that happened is the civic reception which was organized by the Raja’s descendent, Binoy Deb Bahadur, to which Swami Vivekananda was invited after he returned from Chicago.

Feature of the Rajbari

• There is a Nat mandap that is known to all as Thakurdalan that made its place in between the Rajbari palatial building. It is supported by columns along with multifoil arches on the top for supporting the airs of columns. Special festivals and occasions are held in the courtyard.
• To the south, there is a nachghar( dance room) that is connected to the thakurdalan through the dual story wings this nach ghar is almost in ruins but the courtyard where Durga Puja takes place is still intact.
• Radharani devi, another half of Gopinath Jiu( Lord Krishna) is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Laxshmi and so her idol is worshipped with that respect.
• The idol of Radha Gobindo is being worshipped since a period of 250 years in the New Rajbari Nabaratna temple. The name Gopinath Jiu is lovingly called by the family members to show immense dedication and love to Lord Krishna.
• Many famous dancers such as Noor Baksh, Gohor Jaan, Malkajaan, etc. have been said to perform in Shobhabazar Rajbari naach ghar.
• The artisans that have designed the idols of the rajbari 250 years ago, and their descendants are still now engaged in same activity. The raj family is against any new changes. The same culture is being followed by the descendants ever since two centuries. The idols represent ‘bonedi ghorana’ or traditional systems.
• Daker saaj or the silver foil is being used to beautify the idols of the goddess. The idols look more divine and lively in these ornaments and have gained popularity more than the ordinary barowari Durga puja.

How to reach Shobhabazar Rajbari

The metro rail service is very easy to access and runs frequently in between Dumdum and Tollygunge (Mahanayak Utamkumar). On the way, you have to get down at the Shobhabazar Sutanati metro. From the metro, it is located just a few meters away which can be reached by walking for three to four minutes.

Shobhabazar Rajbari Kolkata Timings

Shobhabazar Rajbari, located in Kolkata, India, is open to visitors from morning until evening. The exact timings may vary, but typically it is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is advisable to check with the local tourist information center or the Rajbari itself for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours.

Places to visit near Shobhabazar Rajbari Kolkata

If you are visiting Shobhabazar Rajbari in Kolkata, there are several nearby attractions that you may want to consider visiting as well:

1. Victoria Memorial: This iconic landmark is a museum dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria and serves as a symbol of British rule in India.
2. Howrah Bridge: A historic suspension bridge that spans the Hooghly River, connecting Kolkata to Howrah.
3. Paul’s Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral is one of the largest and oldest churches in Kolkata and is known for its stunning stained-glass windows.
4. Birla Planetarium: A science museum that offers interactive exhibitions and shows about astronomy and space.
5. Indian Museum: One of the oldest museums in the country, it has a rich collection of antiques, fossils, mummies, and manuscripts.
6. Kalighat Kali Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali and one of the 52 Shakti Peethas.
7. Park Street: A bustling street known for its colonial architecture, shopping, dining, and nightlife.

These are just a few of the many attractions near Shobhabazar Rajbari that you can visit during your time in Kolkata.

Durga Puja celebration

Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated in Kolkata, India, and is one of the most important cultural events in the city. It typically takes place in October and marks the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura.

Shobhabazar Rajbari is one of the many places in Kolkata that celebrates Durga Puja with great fervor. During the festival, the Rajbari is beautifully decorated and illuminated, and there are a variety of cultural and religious programs held on its grounds. Visitors can expect to see elaborate pandals (temporary structures erected for the festival), which showcase intricate and colorful works of art depicting the goddess Durga and her entourage.

In addition to the visual displays, there are also a number of musical performances, dance shows, and cultural events that take place during Durga Puja at Shobhabazar Rajbari. The festival is a time of great joy and celebration, and visitors can expect to experience a unique and unforgettable cultural experience.

It is important to note that during the peak of the festival, Shobhabazar Rajbari and the surrounding areas can get very crowded, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit accordingly.