Ever wonder how old Kolkata really is. Some parts are much older. I am standing in front of Behala 11 Pally. Behala is a locality in South West Kolkata. It is believed to be older than Kolkata itself. Today, we will explore the story behind this famous Durga Puja pandal.
Behala 11 Pally is known for its exotic theme-based sarbojanin pujas. Durga Puja in Behala is a vibrant celebration. It brings together people from all walks of life. The festival transforms the area into a dazzling display of art and culture. The Durga Puja celebration of the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family at Barisha started in 1610. This makes it the second oldest family Durga Puja in western Bengal.
The name “Behala” may come from Behula. She is the protagonist of Manasamangalkavya. Another theory suggests the name comes from “Bahulapur.” This means “land of many rivers” or “dark city” in Bengali. “Bahula” is also a name for the goddesses Chandi and Kali.
Behala’s history is rich. It includes many small villages. Each village once had the suffix “-behala” in its name. Examples include Bazarbehala and Tamtelbehala. Bnorshebehala became Barisha. Sorshunnobehala became Sarsuna.
Behala has grown a lot since the early 1980s. This growth has brought people from all backgrounds. Diamond Harbour Road is a main road here. James Long Sarani offers an alternative route.
Behala is also known for the Barisha Chandi Mela. This fair has been held every November or December since 1792. It attracts many people. The fair features stalls, rides and shops.
Trams once ran along Diamond Harbour Road. They connected Joka to Mominpur. This service closed due to a flyover and metro construction. The new metro line runs from Joka to Esplanade.
Behala has many educational institutions. These include Behala College and Sarsuna College. There are also many schools like Behala High School.
Behala is well-connected by buses. These buses link Behala to central and north Kolkata. The Majerhat Bridge connects Behala to other parts of the city.
Behala also has the Behala Airport. It is also known as Behala Flying Training Institute. There are plans to upgrade this airport.
During Christmas, people visit St Peter’s Church and other local churches. A big Rath Yatra festival also takes place. It includes a mela with food and crafts. Jagatdhatri Puja is another celebrated festival in Behala.
Behala is famous for its Durga Puja pandals. These include Behala Nutan Sangha and Behala Notun Dal. At Kalipuja, a mela happens at Bahadur Math. The biggest Eid celebration occurs at Behala 18 Bigha Masjid.
Diamond Harbour Road has many shops and eateries. You can find clothes, jewelry and electronics. Pavement hawkers sell various goods.
Places to see in Behala include the Sonar Durga Temple and the Siddheshwari Kali temple. The Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family houses are also a point of interest.
Behala 11 Pally represents the spirit of community. It showcases the blend of tradition and modernity in Kolkata. As you leave, remember the stories and the cultural richness of this place. It is a reminder that Behala is indeed an integral part of Kolkata. Its history is older than the city itself.