“Lions greet you” that’s what Baag ola Bari means. Here at Shobhabazar Rajbari Nathmandir, we stand before one of Kolkata’s oldest royal houses. It whispers tales of aristocracy and Bengal Renaissance.
Shobhabazar Rajbari is more than just bricks and mortar. It embodies Kolkata’s rich history. Raja Nabakrishna Deb built this palace in the 17th century. He supported the Brahmo Samaj Movement and contributed to the Bengal Renaissance.
Durga Puja is the heart of Shobhabazar Rajbari. Nabakrishna Deb started this tradition in 1757 after the Battle of Plassey. The Rajbari became a cultural hub. Eminent personalities graced its halls. Lord Clive, Warren Hastings, and Rabindranath Tagore attended events here. Raja Binoy Deb Bahadur even hosted a reception for Swami Vivekananda here after his return from Chicago.
Look around this open courtyard. This is the Nat Mandap. Functions and festivals once filled this space. See the columns with square bases and arches. They echo with the sounds of celebrations past. Double-story wings lead to the naach ghar, south of here. Imagine dancers like Miss Rangham and Gohor Jaan performing here. Their movements once graced this very space. The roof of the naach ghar may be gone but its courtyard remains. It stands intact a testament to time.
Let’s talk about the Nabaratna Temple. This is the sanctum sanctorum for the family deity, Radha Gobinda. The family calls him Gopinath Jiu. For over 250 years, the zamindar family has worshipped this idol. You can find the deity in the new Rajbari built by Nabakrishna Deb’s descendants.
Lakshmi Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm here. Radharani Devi is worshipped. She is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Mahalakshmi. She is also the eternal partner of Gopinath Jiu.
Initially, the Durga idol was golden. Later, it was silver for almost a century because of financial constraints. In 2017, the golden color returned making this place even more special. A unique aspect of the Durga Puja here is the Shehnai music. Artists from Varanasi fill the air with its melodies.
Opposite Shobhabazar Rajbari stands Chota Rajbari. Raja Nabakrishna built it later. His descendants continue to host their own Durga Puja there.
Shobhabazar Rajbari stands as a reminder of Kolkata’s grand past. Its Durga Puja, architecture, and history intertwine. The palace gate has two lions roaring. They symbolize the pride and might of this royal family. Though time has passed its legacy remains. It continues to be a symbol of Bengali pride. As you leave remember the stories and traditions. They have shaped this magnificent palace. They have also shaped Kolkata’s cultural identity.