Floatel Kolkata: Where Tradition Meets Modernity on Water's Edge

Just imagine: You're relaxing by the window with a soft breeze stroking your face and the tranquil sound of the river waves playing in the background. You have a lavish array of mouthwatering food in front of you, and Kolkata's rural charm is all around you. Welcome to Floatel Kolkata, a thrilling and distinctive experience. This restaurant, which is tucked away on the Hooghly River, is the first of its kind in Kolkata and, in fact, all of India.

 

India's pioneer in the world of floating restaurants

 

Being India's first floating restaurant, Floatel Kolkata proudly wears this distinction. It is evidence of how the eating scene in Kolkata is always changing and how seriously the city takes its culinary offerings. The idea for Floatel Kolkata was born out of the desire to provide the people of Kolkata with something really exceptional that expertly combines tradition and innovation. This innovative floating restaurant, which is housed on a remodelled ship, draws both residents and visitors eager to experience this extraordinary gastronomic journey.

 

The Floatel had captured people's attention when it originally launched in 2007, perhaps as India's first floating hotel. But afterwards, it was shut down for a variety of reasons. The hotel has undergone extensive renovations after being purchased by Hotel Polo Towers Group, a leading hotel chain from northeastern India. It has been renamed Polo Floatel and is now a high-end full-service hotel with The Bridge - Bistro Bar serving food all day long from a variety of cuisines.

 

The captivating aspects of dining: Its location & mesmerizing ambience

 

The setting of Floatel Kolkata's restaurants is among its most alluring features. Restaurant patrons may enjoy an unimpeded view of the Hooghly River's ever-changing splendour since the building floats softly on the river. It is impossible to match the mesmerizing atmosphere that is produced when the sun sets over the city and its golden rays glitter over the ocean.

 

Floatel has taken use of its setting to provide its visitors with certain additional services, such as boat excursions and history walks, for a fee. They occasionally offer musical shows that feature performances of folk tunes by performers from the countryside. You may depart with a customized picnic basket from the Anchorage Boat Ride Deck for a private trip on the river. 

 

Facilities and amenities provided at Polo Floatel

 

Apart from this, they provide some other facilities to make you feel comfortable and make every moment you will spend there, like a boat ride, candlelight dinner, city tour, laundry, complimentary wifi, in-room service and travel assistance, etc.

 

Boatride: 

 

An amenity provided by Floatel is the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip down the Hooghly River while taking in its beauty. The boat is furnished with vintage items like a phonograph and a teapot from the English era.

 

To make sure that everything is set up properly, they also specify a few terms and conditions for boat rides, such as: Once tickets are purchased, they cannot be changed or refunded. For a smooth admission, come to the location at least 30 minutes beforehand. If you're feeling ill, refrain from buying tickets. No outside food is permitted. Pets are not permitted on the vessel. It is required that the jacket be worn. Even when wearing the jacket, one cannot stand on the boat. 

 

Candlelight Dinner: 

 

The deck of their hotel is an excellent location for a romantic evening when they plan a candlelight dinner at the Floatel.

 

City Tour: 

 

An interesting combination of traditional buildings and cutting-edge amenities may be seen while touring the city by boat. They also offer a knowledgeable guide who will share his knowledge with you in order to further enlighten you about the specific location.

 

Banquet and Conferences: 

 

The event venues at Polo Floatel are all quite adaptable. A variety of connections and combinations are possible between spaces that range in size from 210 square feet to 7000 square feet. For banquets and conferences in Kolkata, Polo Floatel has 16 large event spaces that can accommodate a range of sizes. For special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and kitty parties, they also provide open-air banquet facilities. 

 

Bridge Bistro and Bar and Sky Deck: 

 

These are the two dining establishments at our floating hotel that provide a wide selection of delectable comfort food and other cuisines. Along with various beverage and hookah combinations, the floating eateries also provide food.

 

Guided tour: 

 

A guided tour in the early morning will show you why Calcutta was known as the "city of palaces" since it is situated close to the central business district, a location renowned for its historic buildings. If you enjoy visiting museums, the Maritime Archives and Heritage Centre, run by the Kolkata Port Trust, is open to visitors with special permission.

 

The rich and varied culinary heritage of Kolkata

 

The cuisine selections of Floatel Kolkata are just as well-known as it's acclaimed for its distinctive setting. The eatery takes pride in its extensive menu, which pays homage to Kolkata's voluminous and diverse culinary tradition.

 

Food of Bengal takes the front stage in this context with its enticing variety of tastes and textures. The cuisine of the Floatel Kolkata is a gastronomic tour through the centre of Bengal, with dishes like the traditional macher jhol, which is a type of fish curry and the delectable roshogolla, a well-known Bengali dessert. A variety of the freshest fish will be cooked using conventional spices and methods, delighting seafood aficionados.

 

However, Floatel Kolkata offers a variety of cuisines outside of Bengali food. Each diner will find something to savour thanks to the carefully considered menu, which offers something for a variety of palates. No matter if you're a vegetarian or a meat eater, a fan of spicy food or prefer mellower flavours, the restaurant's menu offers something for you.

 

An atmosphere of elegance and comfort

 

The wonderful atmosphere at Floatel Kolkata plays a big part in the overall dining experience, which is more than just about the cuisine. An elegant and cosy feeling is intended to be created through the restaurant's interior design. A welcoming atmosphere is created by the combination of soft lighting, luxurious furniture, and stylish design.

 

The marine blue-themed reception area leads to a jetty that is linked with the floating hotel and decorated with a lot of shipping-related decor. The hotel provides a panoramic view of the Hooghly River and the opposing banks and is nestled between the iconic Howrah Bridge and the Second Hooghly Bridge. In contrast to its predecessor, the ship has a sensation of airiness, which is encouraging to notice during a fast tour.

 

It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of the big windows that provide panoramic views of the Hooghly River. Whether you decide to eat indoors or outside on the deck, either option will reward you with breath-taking views that change depending on the time of day. It's an atmosphere that creates the perfect setting for special occasions with family and friends as well as romantic evenings.

 

This floating hotel is an eco-friendly combination of comfort and sustainability. Viewers can see every wave on the Hooghly River and the Howrah Bridge, which is visible in the distance and shows off its metal truss. With 73 AC rooms spread across three suites and a breathtaking view of the Hooghly River situated on Strand Road, Floatel proudly introduces Kolkata to the exclusive group of floating hotels throughout the globe.

 

To make an experience exceptional, Floatel offers a variety of accommodation styles. Heritage Cabin River View, Heritage Cabin with Balcony, and Heritage Cabin with Deck are the three types of rooms that are offered.  

 

Floatel Kolkata becomes a wonderful location as the night wears on. Lights from the city start to shine, illuminating the sea in a gentle glow. Due to the lighting throughout the restaurant, a warm and inviting ambience is produced. It's a setting where laughing reverberates, talks flow easily, and memories are created against the shimmering skyline of the metropolis.

 

The Polo Floatel provides a variety of banquet halls, well-equipped with contemporary conveniences, roomy seating configurations, a committed event planning team, and cutting-edge culinary selections for business customers and social events like weddings and birthday celebrations. There are separate entrances and breakaway rooms in banqueting and conference areas. Lawns and open terraces with excellent river views are also available.

 

A symbol of Kolkata's ever-adapting spirit

 

More than just a dining establishment, Floatel Kolkata is a symbol of the city's evolving cuisine. It's a location where history and modernity collide, where the enchantment of the Hooghly meets the mouthwatering flavours of Bengal, and where diners are treated to a magical atmosphere that is absolutely unique.

 

With the image of the first floating restaurant in both India and Kolkata, Floatel Kolkata has not only revolutionized eating in the city but has come to represent Kolkata's spirit of constant change. It's a location where the past and present coexist together, where the creativity of food meets the beauty of the river, and where every trip there is an experience to remember.

 

Therefore, be sure to book a reservation at Floatel Kolkata the next time you visit the city. Floatel Kolkata guarantees a memorable dining experience that will leave you with a taste of Kolkata's rich legacy and a remembrance of the Hooghly's timeless beauty, whether you're a native searching for a special night out or a guest eager to explore the city's culinary riches.

Visit Kumortuli: Where Art Make Maa Durga Idol Alive

Kolkata and Bengal is known for its rich culture, heritage and arts. Not only in Bengal but also in India, Durga Puja is one of the most significant festivals. Have you ever wondered how the idols of the Gods and Goddesses are created? A little neighbourhood in North Kolkata is home to a group of potters who are renowned for their skill in creating these idols out of clay. The name of this location is Kumortuli or Kumartuli.

If you want to explore West Bengal in a way that is genuinely different and authentic. Then, you must go to the Kumortuli clay statue village in Kolkata! 

You can observe Kumortuli's traditional heritage and learn about Hindu culture while watching the potters, or "karigars," at work.

 I realised I had entered a different universe the instant I entered the lanes and alleyways of this neighbourhood in North Kolkata. The god-makers of Kumartuli or Kumortuli, steeped in customs and history, are subtly crafting the divine. 

A wonderful city is Kolkata; despite its modernism, Kolkata still tenaciously protects its tradition. Kumartuli will only be a name for those unfamiliar with Kolkata or Durga Puja. However, Kumartuli is one of those places, in my opinion, where history, culture, and religion have all melted together.

About Kumortuli and Its History

The Bengali traditional word "Kumore," which is roughly equivalent to the English word "Potter," is the root of the words Kumortuli and Kumartuli Kolkata. It eventually evolved into the name Kumortuli. 

Joseph Holwell, an employee of the East India Company during the British Raj (1858–1947), divided the areas to the north of Kolkata according to their level of competence.

So, in Chitpur, also known as "Black Town," he built several bazaars. The Potters neighbourhood was referred to as "Coomartolly" during that period.

Although in the northern part of the city, numerous tradespeople have come and gone over the years. The potters or Karigars of Kumortuli have always remained. They have been selling their clay pots and statues for centuries at Burrabazar. 

Over 500 workshops that create clay statues of Hindu idols are currently spread out among a network of streets. 

Despite being present all year, the most incredible time to go is around Durga Puja, when the streets are crowded with statues for the holy celebration.

Process of making the idols at Kumortuli

The craftsman typically performs a rite before placing their hands on dried bamboo sticks to create the structure of the first idol they will manufacture on the final day of the Bengali year, Chaitra Sankranti. They then carry on with their job to create several clay idols. Finally, the artists of Kumartuli Kolkata invoke the powers of the feminine goddess by painting the eyes of the Durga idols, popularly known as Chokkhudaan or bestowing of the eyes, on the auspicious day of Mahalaya that marks the commencement of Devipaksha (the start of festival days). 

There are several steps involved in creating the idols. The idols are formed of sun-dried clay, which is not baked, rather than terracotta or baked clay. The name for this is terracotta. The framework is initially constructed from dried straw and bamboo. That provides the idol's basic shape. According to legend, a unique kind of straw is carried from the Sundarbans to build the idols.

The framework is then covered in several layers of soft clay. To hold the clay in place and preserve the shape, layers of clothing may occasionally be inserted between the clay. Entel mati (sticky black clay) and Ganga mati (soft white riverbed clay) are typically the two types of clay utilised to create the idols. The idol is kept together and given a smooth appearance using a mixture of these two kinds of clay and homemade adhesive. After that, it is sun-dried.

The first coat of white paint is applied to the idol after it has had time to sun dry and take on its final shape. Once more dried, the idol is painted with various body colours. At first, only natural colours were utilised. Craftsmen even created paintbrushes. However, ready-made paints and paintbrushes have recently begun to penetrate Kumartuli's artisan districts.

In the past, Daaker saaj was performed using unique, thin silver sheets from Germany via post (daak). Therefore, this decoration was given the name daaker saaj (daak means post, and saaj means decoration). Today, we don't need to look to Germany for these embellishments; they can be purchased here in Kolkata.

Thin, beaten gold sheets were used for Rangtaa Saaj. Although neither silver nor gold are utilised today, the name has endured. By covering the idols in a white shoal or pith, Sholar saaj is completed. 

How to reach Kumortuli

By Metro

An affordable and effective method of transportation in Kolkata is the underground metro. The nearest metro stop for Kumartuli Kolkata is Shobhabazar Sutanuti, a 10-minute walk from there via Abhay Mitra Street.

By Taxi

Another fantastic method of transportation in Kolkata is the yellow ambassador cab. 

By Ferry

You can cross the Hooghly River on local river ferries in the area.

The BagBazaar ghat is the closest stop for Kumortuli. They leave every 15-20 minutes, and it's a fun and friendly way to go around the city.

Each ticket costs 6 rupees, and they run until about 8.30 p.m.

Kumortoli's Importance to Kolkata

Kumartuli Kolkata is more than just an area; it physically represents Kolkata's cultural heritage. It is a crucial component of the city's cultural landscape since it represents the artistic prowess and devotion of the community. The complex handicraft handed down through the generations is evident in the narrow lanes of Kumortuli. The craftspeople, known as "kumars," work endlessly to mould clay into divine forms that capture the spirit of numerous gods.

Kumortoli's Connection with Durga Puja

Kumortuli and Durga Puja are deeply connected, with art, religion, and community all connected. It is an emotion for people. Every year, Kumortuli transforms into a hub of activity during the time of Durga Puja. Goddess Durga and her companions are skillfully sculpted into idol form by artisans, who use their deft hands to give the clay life. The chiselling sounds, the earthy clay aroma, and the collective devotion of the artisans influence throughout the area.

The magnificent festival of Durga Puja, which symbolises the win of good over evil, would be nothing without the exquisite idols made in Kumortuli. These large idols, which frequently stand over 15 feet tall, are carried through Kolkata's streets before submerging in the river to represent the goddess's journey back to her heavenly home. The idols' minute details, expressive faces, and elaborate ornamentation are proof of the craftsmen's unmatched skill.

Top tips Before visiting Kumortuli

• Early in the morning is a wonderful time to visit.

• As you move around, wear an easy outfit and comfortable shoes.

• Please be cautious when using your cameras and other technology to avoid damaging or breaking any of their work.

• Before entering any workshop and taking photos, it is always advisable to get permission.

• Please treat the craftsman and their work with respect.

Kumortuli's Popularity Among Photographers and the New Generation

Kumortuli has become a haven for photographers in the digital age, where visual storytelling is king. It is a photographer's dream because of the vivid colour palette, the play of light and shadow, and the unfiltered emotions painted on the features of the idols. International photographers travel to Kumartuli Photography to capture the sense of tradition blending with modernity.

Additionally, Kumortuli has a special appeal for the younger generation. Kumortuli is a strong representation of continuity in a society that is changing quickly and where cultural roots occasionally appear. It bridges the generational gap by providing young people with a concrete connection to their ancestry. Many aspiring artists and fans travel to Kumortuli to learn from the master craftspeople and absorb their passion and artistic principles.

Maintaining Traditions in a Changing World

While Kumortuli's relevance is still relevant today, it also faces difficulties in an urbanising and technologically advanced society. The craftspeople who have maintained these ages-old customs frequently struggle to balance contemporary needs and the labour-intensive technique of clay sculpting.

Conclusion

Kumortuli is more than just an area; it represents a living history of Kolkata's diverse cultural heritage. It offers a tale of determination, devotion, and superior artistic ability. Kumortuli expresses Kolkata's spirit due to its flawless fusion of history and modernity and its important part in the splendour of Durga Puja. 

It is a place where clay is transformed into gods, dedication is transformed into art, and generations come together to maintain the torch of tradition. Kumortuli is a timeless reminder of this prospering city's past, present, and future, even as the world changes.

Keep reading Kolkata Tales articles to get more information about Kolkata. Don't forget to share and give your feedback.

300 Years Old | Grand Bonedi Bari Pujos of Kolkata

 

Durga Pujo The Call of Homecoming

Sarod Utsav is celebrated in Autumn, predominantly in the month of October. The crisp cool breeze welcomes the anticipation of winter. Cotton-like fluffy clouds float across the sky against the expanse of white Kans phool billowing on fields, gleefully.

Doesn’t it bring back the ever-nostalgic memory of the iconic Apu-Durga scene from Satyajit Ray’s ‘Pather Panchali’? That epiphanic moment when they stood awestruck in a similar picturesque landscape gazing at the majestic railway locomotive, as it whistled by for some far-away lands, leaving behind a plume of upheaval emotions? A scene that perhaps stirs the call of homecoming in every Bengali soul, inevitably.

Durga Pujo, in those five passing days of celebration, ruffles a similar epiphany in our hearts that we tend to clinch onto, until the next year.

The City Starts Embellishing

There is certain exuberance in the air of Kolkata right now. Big hoardings being pulled up, half-done pandals coming into being, streets adorning with thematic alpanas – the City of Joy has already started preening for Durga Puja.

The city boasts a kaleidoscope of myriad Pujo Pandals and their colours, fervours and lights. And in the heart of this rich tapestry, are woven some ageless luminous jewels that remain as a testament to the city's traditional magnificence, a fusion of heritage and modernity. – the Grand Bonidi Barir Pujos of Kolkata.

Kolkata Tales — The Chronicler of Kolkata

As a dedicated chronicler of Kolkata, in this blog, Kolkata Tales is thrilled to take you on a journey into the mesmerising world of these age-old traditions that grace the charming Bonidi Bari neighbourhoods.

Imagine stepping into a realm where time seems to stand still, where courtyards (dalan ghor) are adorned with colourful alpana patterns, and where the air is filled with the sweet scent of incense and dhuno. It's a time when the city's old-world charm and contemporary vivacity merge seamlessly.

In this blog, we'll delve into the interesting ancestral stories behind the aristocracies, the rituals that have been passed down like heirlooms through generations, and the modern twists that keep these 300 years old traditions alive and relevant even in the 21st century.

So join me in unravelling the magic of these celebrations, where faith, culture, and innovation converge to create an unforgettable experience.

What is Bonedi bari Pujo?

Bonedi Bari Pujo is the pujo that is organised by the original aristocrate families of the city and not by any community. In Kolkata, the jamboree comes with a side of nostalgia. Especially within the grand halls and courtyards of the erstwhile zamindari houses, or bonedi baris where grand processions and affluent celebrations used to be held, welcoming villagers from all around, feeding thousands and thousands of subjects, have now settled down into a mere stance of tradition. In an attempt to strike a balance between the fading royalty and the ushering modernity this is understandable.

However, even today, these Bonedi Baris throw open their doors to their hearts and homes during the five days of Durga Puja, asking visitors to bear witness to their centuries-old tradition every year.

Some of these families have celebrated Durga Puja even before the city of Kolkata came into existence.

Oldest Bonedi Bari Pujos & their Stories — Some Older than the City itself

1.   Sabarna Roy Chowdhury Aatchala Durga

In the heart of Kolkata glitters a nugget of history that predates the city itself - the Aath Chala Durga Puja of the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family. Hailing from Barisha, this family once was the zamindars owning the three villages of Kalikata (now Kolkata), Sutanati, and Gobindapur, which were eventually sold to the East India Company in 1698, marking the birth of Kolkata. The British East India Company paid an annual rent of Rs. 1,300/- to the family till the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

It was in 1699 that the first Durga Puja celebrations began at Roy Choudhury's residence, and for nearly three centuries, they have continued this tradition at the same location.

As time passed, the family branched out, and today, there are eight families celebrating Durga Puja, with the Aath Chala Puja being the main one. This extraordinary tradition was initiated by Lakshmikanta Majumder in 1610, and the Majumders received the prestigious title of Roy Chowdhury in 1626, thanks to the recommendation of Raja Man Singh at the Mughal Durbar.

The red pillars that flank the path to the Thakur Dalan, the courtyard where the Puja takes place, bear witness to an incredible history. It was here that Roy Chowdhury and Job Charnock engaged in discussions about the transfer of Sutanuti, Gobindapur, and Kalikata, which played a pivotal role in the city's evolution.

Sabarna Roy Chowdhury's name is etched in history as the previous owner of these villages, with a legacy intertwined with numerous significant events in Kolkata, from the construction of the first road and pucca house to the establishment of the Kalighat Temple Complex. This Durga Puja, like the family itself, stands as a testament to Kolkata's rich and enduring heritage.

Address: 26, Sabarna Para Road, Kolkata – 700008.

2.   Sovabazar Raj Bari Durga Puja

The Sovabazar Raj Bari is a venerable zamindar family mansion that hosts one of the city's oldest Bonedi Durga Pujas. Legend has it that the Goddess Durga herself graces the Rajbari with her presence to listen to its music, as the mehfils are held in the famous Nachghar (Dancing room) during the Puja's nights.

It is known that after Robert Clive's victory over Siraj-ud-daula at the Battle of Plassey, Raja Nabakrishna Deb extended invitations to Lord Clive and Warren Hastings to partake in the Durga Puja at this Raj Bari in 1757.

Traditionally, the Sovabazar Rajbari had a unique practice of releasing Nilkantha birds into the sky on Dashami, the final day of Puja. However, this practice came to an end due to legal constraints imposed by the Wildlife Preservation Act. Now, they immerse clay models of these birds alongside the Durga idols as a symbolic gesture.

What sets this Bonedi Bari Puja apart is its unique feature - the representation of Durga's vahana (vehicle) as a horse, instead of the traditional depiction of a lion.

So if you are in Kolkata you can’t miss this time travel back to this significant point in history written on this very courtyard of the Rajbari.

Address: 36 and 33, Raja Nabakrishna Street, Sovabazar, Kolkata – 700005.

3.   Darjipara Mitra Bari Durga Puja

Durgacharan Mitra, a prominent businessman of his time, held a significant position as the court jeweller for Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula. His nephew, Nilmoni Mitra, continued his legacy. (Nilmoni Mitra Street is named after him). However, the family's fortune waned over time. It was Nilmoni Mitra's grandson, Radhakrishna Mitra, who successfully revived the family's prosperity. Radhakrishna Mitra initiated the tradition of the family's Durga Puja.

In the past, during the immersion of Durga idols at Nimtala Ghat Street in the Ganges River, two Nilkantha birds were released by Radhakrishna Mitra's family members. One would fly towards the Kailash mountains, the sacred abode of Lord Shiva, to inform him of Goddess Durga's departure from Earth to her heavenly realm. The other bird was directed towards the Mitra Bari (house) to signify that Goddess Durga had pledged to return the following year. This family ritual, meticulously observed since 1809, came to an end just like the ritual of Sovabazar Rajbari, following the implementation of the Wildlife Preservation Act.

The Darjipara Mitra Bari Puja holds a prestigious position in North Kolkata, ranking among the top three Pujas alongside Jorasanko Daw Bari and Sovabazar Rajbari. Notably, the idols are placed on a magnificent throne that has stood for over 210 years, adding to the Puja's historical significance.

Address: 19, Nilmani Mitra Street, Kolkata – 700006

4.   Rani Rashmoni Family Durga Puja

The founder of Dakshinewar Kali Temple, Rani Rashmoni’s family Durga Puja is another renowned Bonedi Bari celebration that has retained its grandeur since the British era. Coming from a lower caste Rani Rashmoni, had to overcome a lot of social stigmas to establish the Durga Puja at her courtyard. Their opulent mansion boasts a spacious thakur dalan, a courtyard where the deity is worshipped. All the idols' faces, including Devi Durga's, are made by hands, and Durga's skin tone matches that of the Shiuli flower's stem. This attention to detail gives the idol a unique and sometimes a slightly asymmetrical appearance. The house features a square-shaped courtyard, and the Goddess is of the traditional 'ekchala' type adorned with 'daker saaj' decoration.

Originally initiated by Rani Rashmoni's father-in-law, Babu Pritaram Marh (Das), in 1974, the Durga Puja at their Janbazar residence is now more commonly known as Rani Rashmoni's Durga Puja. Presently held at 13, Rani Rashmoni Road, this very courtyard was once where Sri Ramkrishna Paramahansa Deb conducted his own Durga Puja.

Rani Rashmoni, a revered philanthropist and social reformer, made a lasting impact on Bengal's history. Following her passing in 1861, her daughters and their husbands continued the tradition at their respective residences. The Durga Puja at 13, Rani Rashmoni Road is currently organised by the Hazra family. The second Puja is conducted by the Chowdhury family at 18/3, Surendra Nath Banerjee Road, while the third Puja takes place at 18, Rani Rashmoni Road, hosted by the Biswas family.

Address: 13 Rani Rashmoni Road, 18/3 S.N. Banerjee Road and 18 Rani Rashmoni Road, Kolkata

5.   Narasingha Daw Family Durga Puja

Commenced in 1859 at the Dawn Mansion on Vivekananda Road, the Narasingha Daw Family Durga Puja also known as The Gunmakers' Durga Puja, is renowned for its unique traditions. Originating from Kotulpur in Bankura, one of the Daw family's ancestors, Narasingha Prasad Daw, expanded the family's spice business to Rishra and eventually to Calcutta. The foundation of their gun business was established by Narasingha Chandra Daw in 1835, and they successfully competed with British counterparts. In 1859, the Daw family initiated the Durga Puja, which later took place in the thakur dalan, organised by Nandalal Daw.

One of the most striking features of the Daw family's Puja is the use of a cannon during the Sandhi Puja and arati ceremonies. This unique ritual, introduced by N. C. Daw continues to be faithfully observed by family members. The 17-inch cannon, crafted by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, possesses all the functionalities of a standard cannon gun. The thakur dalan displays various images of guns, pistols, and rifles, enhancing its distinctive atmosphere. The Goddess's idol is adorned with intricate 'daker saaj' decoration, radiating beauty and grandeur. Another exceptional tradition within the Daw family is the offering of a gun salute to the Goddess on Dashami, just before the immersion of the idols, marking a truly distinctive and memorable conclusion to their Puja celebrations. So this year, bring out some time to go and witness this unique Bonidi bari Durga Pujo.

Address: 20 Vivekananda Road, Kolkata – 700006

A City Steeped in Tradition

As we just explored these time-honoured celebrations, we've journeyed through the annals of history — from the opulent rituals of the Aathchala Durga or Sovabazar Raj Bari to the resplendent Gunmakers' Durga Puja with its cannon salute. We've witnessed the devotion of the Radhakrishna Mitra family and the enduring legacy of Rani Rashmoni's descendants. These Pujas not only offer a glimpse into the city's rich past but also reflect the resilience, creativity, and spiritual fervour of its people.

As you navigate the bustling streets of Kolkata, remember that beyond the glam and glitz of the city's mainstream Durga Puja celebrations, these Bonedi Bari Pujos offer an intimate connection to history and tradition. They are a testament to the enduring spirit of Kolkata, a city that seamlessly blends the old and the new, the traditional and the modern.

Dada Boudi Biryani: A Culinary Legacy that Ignites Kolkata's Palate

A fragrant narrative that carries through the air draws food lovers from all over the world to the busy streets of Barrackpore, a little hamlet outside of Kolkata. The Dada Boudi Biryani has become well-known and represents Kolkata's illustrious culinary legacy thanks to a tale that tantalises the senses and is a feast for the palate.

The beginning of Dada Boudi Biryani

Around 61 years ago, the Dada Boudi Bhater Hotel was the precursor to Biryani. In addition to opening a small restaurant, Ramprasad Saha ran a tattoo parlour. His son Dhiran Saha earnestly carried on the family business of providing regular, everyday Bengali meals. In due course, his wife joined the company, and the two became known as Dada-Boudi. The company is currently operated by their sons Sanjib and Rajib Saha, who are experts in biryani. 

A promise of gastronomic ecstasy with Unforgettable Arom

Both residents and visitors are drawn to the moniker Dada Boudi Biryani because it bears an attraction that can't be resisted and holds up the promise of culinary bliss. An unparalleled gastronomic experience begins as the sun begins to drop and the aroma of spices fills the air. It's the type of flavour that brings back fond memories of dinners and special occasions.

Dada Boudi Biryani is a gastronomic oasis in the quaint turmoil of Barrackpore and a monument to the craft of cooking biryani that has been honed over many generations. A symphony of flavours is ready to be unleashed, and the busy environment, where anxious customers assemble, is a prologue to it.

Barrackpore Station platform no 1 is the nearest landmark to the Restaurant. Every day, they sell between 16–17 handis of biryani. 200–250 biryani plates make up one handi. During peak hours, there are almost 50 to 100 people lined up, patiently waiting for their chance to eat.

What makes Dada Boudi Biryani an unparalleled delight?

The exacting method of preparation and the premium quality of the ingredients are what make Dada Boudi Biryani a joy like no other. The biryani prepared here is more than simply a meal; it's a well-balanced combination of flavours with delicate meat, aromatic rice, and savoury spices. The highlight of the meal is the well-prepared mutton and chicken.

One of Dada Boudi's signature qualities is frequently cited as the meat's softness. Every mouthful is bursting with flavour, a symphony of carefully chosen and crafted spices. It's not only about the spices; it's about the alchemy that takes place when the meat simmers, absorbing the flavour of the spices and giving the dish its delicious juiciness.

 

What is inexplicably addictive about Boudi Biryani?

When it comes to Boudi Biryani, there is something strangely addicting. It's more than just a dinner; it's an encounter that remains in the mind and on the taste receptors. You'll be left wanting more as a result of the harmonious flavour combination, well-tuned spice ratio, and melt-in-your-mouth meat softness.

As though each spice holds a glimmer of history and each grain of rice has a tale to tell. Age and origin have no effect on the irresistible appeal of Dada Boudi's biryani; it is a common bond that brings people together in their love of a fine meal.

 
A brief description of the Dada Boudi legacy

There is a tale of tenacity, passion, and devotion to excellence hidden behind every successful business. Nothing has changed about the Dada Boudi Kolkata heritage. Exceptional biryani was first shared with the world in a simple dream, which is where the roots of this gastronomic refuge may be found.

The brothers' hard efforts have helped Dada Boudi reach heights that neither their grandfather nor father could have foreseen, and their success is a direct result of this. Rajib, the younger sibling, barely managed to complete Grade 10 while Sanjib finished Grade 12. But in order to keep customers coming back, the brothers made sure their biryani was of the highest calibre and was served in large quantities. Aaloo, an essential component of Awadhi biryani, is served with every biryani plate along with 800 grammes of biryani rice, and 200 grammes of mutton or chicken.

The heritage and reputation have been built over years of hard work. The passion that goes into each dish and the dedication to upholding the standard that has made Dada Boudi Biryani Barrackpore a cherished institution is more important than just the biryani itself.

The story behind the name "Dada Boudi"

Dada Boudi evokes memories of familiar people in and of itself. The kind expressions used to refer to the older brother and sister-in-law are a tribute to the ties that bind families together. At Dada Boudi's, the technique of cooking biryani is a treasured family heritage, much like how family recipes are passed down from generation to generation.

In 1961, his grandfather Ramprasad established their first eatery on Ghosh Para Road close to Barrackpore Railway Station after moving to Kolkata with his wife and six children from Motihari in Bihar. The restaurant's previous name was "Dal-Roti," and its only offerings were dal-roti and sabzi. The restaurant was taken up by Ramprasad Saha's son Dhiren Saha more than 15 years later, who expanded the menu. He added red meat curries to his menu after moving from boiled rice to fish curry, chicken, and finally.

After ultimately joining forces with her husband, Sandhya Saha, Dhiren's wife, earned the moniker "Dada Boudi" for the pair. The eatery rapidly adopted the moniker Dada Boudi. Sanjib and Rajib, who were still in school, used to help Dhiren and Sandhya run the restaurant after school. There were just two other employees.

 

A trip begins at the restaurant's main branch in Barrackpore

The starting point of this culinary tour is the major location of Dada Boudi Biryani Barrackpore. Customers congregate to participate in a ritual that is more than simply a meal as the sun sets and the scent of spices fills the air. It's a celebration of the neighbourhood while paying homage to history and flavours.

The lively atmosphere envelops you as soon as you enter the restaurant, the customers laughing and the clatter of silverware creating a happy symphony. The aroma of sizzling spices combined with the sight of plates piled high with aromatic biryani paints a picture in the mind's eye of Kolkata's culinary scene.

 

A legacy that resonates with anyone

Anyone who has experienced its flavours can attest to the heritage that Dada Boudi Biryani represents. It is a voyage that leads you into historical alleyways and one that keeps developing while remaining faithful to its origins.

In a world where food fads come and go, Dada Boudi Kolkata is a monument to classic flavours and a gentle reminder that certain traditions are worth keeping. You are not only enjoying biryani; you are also immersing yourself in a narrative that has threaded its way into the very fabric of Kolkata and beyond with every mouthful of flavorful rice and succulent bites of delicate meat.