The localities of Sovabazar and Kumortuli are kaleidoscopes of life in Kolkata. A bustling bazaar of multiple trades, Sovabazar is famous by the virture of Shobhabazar Rajbari. This is where Nabakrishna Dev started Durga Puja in 1757, where the custom drew local households, rich and the affluents to celebrate the glorious festival. We will take a tour inside the two houses of Sovabazar Rajbari and try to decipher how the festival became the most famous one in the city.

Kumortuli, our next stop, is as busy as the artisans who work here throughout the year. From mounds of clay, these artisans bring to life statues of Gods and Goddess. We will walk by their workshops, read the gentle and patient movement of their hands as they define the character of their sculptures. We will have the chance to converse with them about their lives, the market demand of their arts and what their work means to them. After visiting Sovabazar and Kumotuli, we will explore the other interesting landmarks in their vicinity. We will walk through the giant structure of Rameshwar Shiva temple and a terracotta-panel temple which sustained the beat of time.

The last leg of the journey lies at the palatial house of legendary pharmacist Butto Kristo Paul. We will hear stories about the Madan Gopal Temple of Salt merchant Gokul Mitra and the chronicles of his wealth. As one of the earliest Indian officials under the British rule, he earned a reputation for his extravagance. In 1731, Gobindram Mitter built a temple almost the size of Saheed Minar. The accompanying Navaratna or nine pinnacle temple and other temples survived and deities are worshiped here till today.

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Know your Experience Leader- Amitabha

A travel writer, Photographer Amitabha Gupta, at India Curated, has been hosting experiences in Kolkata since last three years. He maintains a blog under his own name where he writes about the heritage of West Bengal, especially about Durgapuja conducted in traditional houses of West Bengal. Amitabha has also been featured by Times of India in Calcutta Times as one the top six bloggers who writes on heritage of Kolkata and West Bengal. A veteran resident of North Kolkata, Amitabha knows the nooks and corners, lanes and bylanes of Kolkata and their history in details. He thrills everyone with his anecdotes and makes the participant a part of the walking tour experience.

Please Note:

• Wear comfortable shoes; carry a small backpack with a water bottle and small towel to wipe of sweat.
• Carry an umbrella or sun hat for protection from the sun.
• Keep your voice low at residential houses and holy places.