Nakhoda Mosque in Kolkata

West Bengal has a sizeable Muslim population. They celebrate their festival in unique ways and offer worship. Nakhoda Mosque is the largest Mosque in Kolkata. It is a major tourist attraction in Central Kolkata where people from all religions visit the mosque.

Historical Background

NAKHODA MOSQUE(KOLKATA, INDIA)

It was a small Mosque earlier. The present mosque owes its existence due to Abdur Rahim Osman, a resident of present day Gujrat. He spent over rupees 15 lakhs in those days (1926) to build the structure of such magnificence and opulence that over 10,000 devotees could offer  Namaz in this Mosque together. The structural design showed resemblance to Akbar’s tomb at Sikandra. One can witness a magnificent intermingling of Indian and Central  Asia’s architectural pattern. One can also notice semblance of entrance with the Buland Darwaza, built by Akbar.

Structure

It was made of superior quality granite of Tolepur. There are  minars and a dome (over 151 feet high), keeping with Islamic style of architecture. The interior of the mosque exhibits ornamental calligraphy that is at once unique and creative at its best. 25 pillars between 11 feet to 16 ½ feet are found inside. There are also small minarets around which vary from 97 feet to 120 feet.

Location

Intersection of Chitpur Road and Mahatma Gandhi Road in Jacquaria Street.

Administration

It is run by a board of trustees.

NAKHODA IN NIGHT

Time of Visit

The mosque remains open for visitors from 6am and stays open till 8pm in evening, except during the prayers.

Travel Routes

One can go to the mosque by taking an Auto from Central Metro Station that runs to Sealdah. One can also reach here by catching a tram from Dalhousie Depot that goes to Shyambazar and Belgachia. Cabs are available from Dharmatala, Sealdha, Howrah and other prominent places of the city.

Offering

People offer Candles, Chadaar and even Attar which is an extract of flowers.

Food

A visit to Nakhoda Mosque is incomplete without visit to hotels around. Aminia, The Royals, Sufiya hotels provide the choicest meat delicacies in goat meat, chicken and beef. One can also test the sweet bread “bakrkhani” during the Ramzaan.

Strictures For Visitors

Visitors especially women must dress modestly. They should not were Mini Shorts, skirts, spaghetti tops. They also need to cover their head by scarves.

This Mosque by Sunni Muslim trader community is a great contribution to make Kolkata City Of Palaces. The word “Nakhoda” means “Mariners” and hence the mosque can be called Mariner’s Mosque. But few remember how the Mosque got its name and it has become not only the meeting place of the devout Muslims, but lacs of visitor over the globe. One can enjoy the calm and peace of mind in this sanctified place away from the din and bustle of market place. There lies the true significance of the presence of the Almighty Allaah amidst ignoble strife of the city.