“Bahula” the goddesses Chandi and Kali may know Behala best. Behala is one of Kolkata’s oldest residential areas. It is located in the southwestern part of the city. This place is steeped in history and culture. Today we will explore Behala.
Behala’s name might come from the Manasamangalkavya’s protagonist Behula. Another theory suggests it comes from “Bahulapur”. This Bengali term means “land of many rivers” or “dark city”. Rev James Long called Behala “Byala” in his writings. Each village here had a suffix -behala. Examples include Bazarbehala and Tamtelbehala.
Behala is one of Kolkata’s largest suburban areas. It includes Sahapur and New Alipore. It also encompasses Parnasree Pally and Behala Bazaar. Manton and Behala Chowrasta are here too. Sakherbazaar, Silpara, and Bakultala are also parts of Behala.
Since the 1980s Behala’s population has grown. This growth has attracted daily wage earners and educated people. Diamond Harbour Road is the main traffic artery. James Long Sarani offers an alternative route. During the Taratala flyover construction traffic used James Long Sarani. This led to further development in Behala.
Street hawkers cause problems on Diamond Harbour Road sidewalks. Behala Bazar and Behala Chowrasta are in the “Calcutta Green Zone”. Traffic moves slowly during peak hours.
Trams once ran along Diamond Harbour Road from Joka to Mominpur. People used trams to reach Esplanade. The service was withdrawn. Mominpur to Behala Bazaar closed in 2006 due to the Taratala flyover. Behala Bazaar to Joka closed in 2011. This closure was due to metro construction on Diamond Harbour Road. The metro will run from Joka to Esplanade on the Purple Line.
Behala has numerous educational institutions. Behala College and Sarsuna College are here. Vivekananda College in Thakurpukur is nearby. Schools include Barisha High School and Behala High School.
Various buses connect Behala to Kolkata. Majerhat Bridge connects Behala to the rest of Calcutta. A new bridge has been built. It successfully connects Behala with other areas.
Behala is served by Majherhat and Brace Bridge railway stations. These stations are on the Sealdah South section. Behala Airport is also known as Behala Flying Training Institute.
The metro has partially started from Joka to Taratala. Narendra Modi inaugurated it on December 30, 2022. Joka and Thakurpukur are active stations. Sakherbazar and Behala Chowrasta stations are also running.
Behala has many hospitals and medical centers. Vidyasagar State General Hospital is a state general hospital.
Barisha Chandi Mela is a 10-day fair. It is held every November to December since 1792. It attracts people from all over the city.
Behala is famous for Durga Puja. Popular Durga Puja pandals include Behala Nutan Sangha. Behala Notun Dal and Behala Adarshapally are also famous.
The Diamond Harbour Road has many shops and eateries. Clothes and jewelry are sold here. Electronic items and sports goods are also available. Pavements are crowded with hawkers.
Sonar Durga Temple is a place of interest. Siddheshwari Kali temple is also a notable temple here.
Behala’s history and vibrant culture make it a unique Kolkata locality. From Durga Puja to ancient temples Behala offers a rich tapestry of experiences.