03/11/2024
Kolkata, India
I organised a private customised tour in Kolkata for our last day as I wanted to visit specific places that is not in the usual tours. Our tour guide, Malini was amazing.
1. Our journey began at the poignant Indentured Labourers “Girmitiyas” Memorial at Kolkata port, and it was an experience that deeply moved us. Standing at this historic site, we were struck by the weight of the stories it held—this very port was the departure point for countless Girmitiyas, sent off by the British to distant lands like Fiji, Mauritius, Trinidad, and Suriname.
These individuals signed a five-year agreement (this word “agreement” became “girmit”), lured by the promise of golden opportunities. Instead, they faced grueling labor in the unforgiving sugar cane fields, a grim reality that felt like slavery. It was heartbreaking to reflect on the resilience and suffering of those who were promised so much but received so little in return.
As we walked among the memorial’s stark yet powerful reminders, we felt an urgent need to honor these lives and share their stories, which are often absent from our school curriculums. This chapter of history may be overshadowed, but it deserves to be remembered and acknowledged. Our visit was a reminder of the enduring impact of colonialism and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
2. 15th century Shaktipeeth Kalighat Kali Temple visit was next and to our pleasant surprise there was hardly any crowd which made it extremely easy to visit the temple and have darshan.
3. Next stop was Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose house which has been converted into a very interesting museum. His achievements as a freedom fighter to help India gain independence is truly beyond words.
4. The first non-European and the first lyricist to win the Nobel Prize in Literature Ravindra Nath Tagore’s house, now museum was our next stop. He was a Bengali poet, short-story writer, song composer, playwright, essayist and painter. His very talented family of 250 lived in this huge house.
5. Next stop was the drive over the famous Howrah Bridge to Belur to visit the Ramakrishna Mission Belur Math. Which was also adorned with colourful Diwali lights. As soon as you enter the gates, you can feel the peace and calm, meditative ambience of this beautiful kept huge area. We visited the temples of Ramakrishna and Swani Vivekanand temple along the Hooghly River. A place well worth visiting in Kolkata.
6. Next on the tour was the Dakshineswar Temple. Dakshineswar Kali temple has 12 dome. Twelve temples of Lord Shiva have been established around this huge temple. The temple of Mother Kali is situated on the terrace in the form of a huge building.
7. We strolled through the vibrant streets, which were alive with Diwali festivities. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the joyful sounds of celebration. Music filled the air while dazzling lights and decorations adorned every corner, creating a magical ambiance, a true reflection of the spirit of Diwali.
As we drove to the airport for our flight home, the festivities of Diwali celebrations bid us farewell and we carried with us memorable memories of this wonderful place.
