Nocturnal Panorama of Basirhat, Captured in November 2018. An aerial tableau of Basirhat city at night, delineating its illuminated thoroughfares and intricate urban morphology.
Basirhat is a City and a Municipal urban region located of the East of Kolkata, North 24 Parganas district in the Indianstate of West Bengal. It is the headquarters of the Basirhat subdivision. Founded on 1st April, 1869, it is one of the oldest municipal board of West Bengal. It lies on the southern bank of Ichamati river. It is an important commercial and financial hub of the district and holds international significance due to its proximity to the Bangladesh border.
The name Basirhat is believed to have originated from "Basur-Haat", referring to a market (haat) established by the Basu community,[3] who were prominent traders in the region. Over time, the pronunciation evolved into Basirhat. The town's historical significance as a trading hub contributed to its name and development. Some believe the name comes from "Bansh" (Bengali: বাঁশ), meaning bamboo, as the area was once rich in bamboo groves and trade. "Haat" (market) signifies its role as a trading center for bamboo and other goods.[4]
History
History of Basirhat (formerly known as Basur-Haat)
Basirhat, once a thriving river port, played a key role in trade and the freedom movement. It witnessed the impact of the Swadeshi movement and the Partition of Bengal (1947). After independence, it developed into a commercial and agricultural hub, with increasing urbanization shaping its modern identity. Basirhat is also known for 'Tebhaga Movement' of 1946-47. The peasant movement further boosted the ongoing movements for the independence of India. This beautiful place was developed initially by the families of two people namely the Jhine's Ghosh and another person was Mir's of Mirbati. The history behind the popularity of the town is long, but two reasons are birth of Dinesh Chandra Majumder (a freedom fighter), and Swami Brahmananda (First President of Ramakrishna Mission). Both these legends have been born in the same city, because of which the town has become so popular.[5][6]
The Downton abbeys of Basirhat (Dhanyakuria)
Dhanyakuria, located in the Basirhat subdivision of North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, is home to remarkable historical mansions like the Gaine Rajbari and Ballav Rajbari. These grand estates reflect the fusion of European and Bengali architectural styles, showcasing the region's historical affluence. However, the importance of Basirhat Municipal Authority as the core urban hub plays a crucial role in the preservation and accessibility of such heritage sites.
Gaine Rajbari
The Gaine Rajbari, also known as the Gaine Garden House, is an imposing structure featuring castle-like towers, decorative facades, and expansive gardens. Built by the Gaine family, it mirrors the grandeur of Tagore Castle in Pathuriaghata, Kolkata. The estate spreads over 30 acres, complete with ponds, statues, and Victorian-style windows.
Gaine Rajbari - An example of Indo-European contrasting architecture, with a legacy of more than 200 years.
Ballav Rajbari
The Ballav Rajbari, often referred to as Putul Bari (House of Dolls) due to the statues on its facade, was built by Shyamacharan Ballav. This two-storied mansion blends Indo-European elements, featuring intricate stucco work, Victorian windows, and high arches. Despite renovations, it retains its historical charm.
Its thakurdalan has featured in films such as Guru Dutt’s Sahib Bibi Ghulam, the Indo-French production La Nuit Bengali and the Uttam Kumar-starrer Suryatapa. You can spy a Durga idol in one corner of the thakurdalan of the Ballav Rajbari.The Sawoo Mansion usually remains closed; most of the family lives in Calcutta now. The house was founded by Patit Chandra Sawoo 200 years ago and extended by his son Rai Bahadur Upendra Nath Sawoo.The centrepiece is a princely figure wearing a cape and fancy headgear; the rest of the figurines include moustachioed Indian sentries and a lone peacock.
Geography
8km 5miles
B
A
N
G
L
A
D
E
S
H
Bidyadhari River
Burokalabati River
Raimangal River
Ichhamati River
Sarapul
R
Sandeshkhali
R
Sandelerbil
R
Nazat
R
Murarisha
R
Matia
R
Malancha
R
Kalinagar
R
Iswarigachha
R
Hemnagar
R
Hasnabad
R
Haroa
R
Ghojadanga check post
R
Bamanpukuria
R
Swarupnagar
R
Taki
M
Basirhat
MC
Baduria
M
Uttar Bagundi
CT
Sadigachhi
CT
Raghunathpur
CT
Mathurapur
CT
Minakhan
CT
Itinda
CT
Hingalganj
CT
Dhanyakuria
CT
Deora
CT
Dakshin Chatra
CT
Dandirhat
CT
Balihati
CT
Bankra
CT
Cities, towns and locations in Basirhat subdivision, North 24 Parganas district MC: municipal city, M: municipal town, CT: census town, R: rural/ urban centre Owing to space constraints in the small map, the actual locations in a larger map may vary slightly
The area shown in the map is a part of the Ichhamati-Raimangal Plain, located in the lower Ganges Delta. It contains soil of mature black or brownish loam to recent alluvium. Numerous rivers, creeks and khals criss-cross the area. The tip of the Sundarbans National Park is visible in the lower part of the map (shown in green but not marked). The larger full screen map shows the full forest area.[7] A large section of the area is a part of the Sundarbans settlements.[8] The densely populated area is an overwhelmingly rural area except Basirhat Urban region. Only 12.96% of the population lives in the urban areas like Basirhat and 87.04% of the population in rural areas.[9][10]
Note: The map alongside presents some of the notable locations in the subdivision. All places marked in the map are linked in the larger full-screen map.
Climate
Basirhat, located in West Bengal, India, has a tropical wet and dry climate. Basirhat is subject to a tropical savanna climate that is designated Aw under the Köppen climate classification. According to a United Nations Development Programme report, its wind and cyclone zone is "very high damage risk".
This city is generally the hottest region' of the Basirhat subdivision due to urban heat pockets because this is the only major urban area of this region. Here’s a general breakdown of its climate throughout the year:
Summer (March–June): Hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C. Heatwaves can occur, making it uncomfortable. Often, the city is struck by heavy rains or dusty squalls that are followed by thunderstorms or hailstorms, bringing cooling relief from the prevailing humidity. These thunderstorms are convective in nature, and are known locally as Kalbaisakhi (Pronunciation - kal bôishakhi or কালবৈশাখী), or "Nor'westers" in English.
Monsoon (June–September): Heavy rainfall due to the southwest monsoon. The region receives significant rain, leading to occasional waterlogging.
Post-Monsoon (October–November): The weather starts cooling down, with moderate humidity.
Winter (December–February): Mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. It's the most comfortable season.
Humidity is generally high throughout the year due to Basirhat's proximity to the Bay of Bengal. Cyclonic storms can also affect the region, especially during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.
According to the 2011 census, Basirhat Municipality had a population of 125,254. Basirhat had a sex ratio of 981 females per 1000 males and a literacy rate of 87.35%. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up 18.94% and 0.41% of the population respectively.[13]
Bengali is the predominant language, spoken by 99.77% of the population.[14]
Culture
Durga puja
Celebrations
Durga Puja is the most significant and widely celebrated festival in Basirhat, attracting both locals and visitors with its grandeur and cultural vibrancy. With over 100 pujas taking place across the city, the celebrations are a grand spectacle, meanwhile the scale and intensity of Basirhat's durga puja celebration is among the biggest in the North 24 Parganas.[15] One of the iconic venues for this festival is Prantik Square Sorbojonin,[16] a popular hangout spot for youths, which closely resembles Kolkata's Maddox Square Durga Puja. This area sees large crowds enjoying the festivities, and its atmosphere is infused with lively music, cultural performances, and art installations.
During the festival, the city’s streets are lined with intricately decorated pandals, each with unique themes and designs, showcasing the creativity and artistry of the local community. People come together for prayers, traditional rituals, and cultural programs, creating a festive and communal spirit. Additionally, Surjakanta Lake View Park, often referred to as the Lake Terrace Area, becomes a popular spot for people to relax and soak in the celebration, offering a scenic view during the festivities. The immersion of the Goddess Durga idols in the Ichamati river on the final day marks the culmination of the celebrations, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Durga Puja in Basirhat is not only a religious observance but also a social and cultural event, bringing the community together through shared rituals, festivities, and joy.
Installations of Durga Puja in Gheepukur Dhar Netaji Union, BasirhatArt installations in the pandel of Bose Para Lane Kishalaya Sangha, BasirhatDinanath Dey Lane, Basirhat City, illuminated during Durga Puja celebrations
Traditions
Durga Puja in Basirhat, West Bengal, is celebrated with grandeur, blending centuries-old heritage with vibrant community participation. The festival, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is marked by elaborate rituals, artistic pandals, and a spectacular immersion procession on the Ichamati River.
Traditional Rajbari Pujas
Several aristocratic families in Basirhat uphold age-old Durga Puja traditions, which continue to be major attractions during the festival.
• Ballav Bari Durga Puja – One of the most prestigious Durga Pujas in Basirhat, held at Ballav Bari, known for its adherence to traditional rituals, including the use of ekchala protima (single-structured idol) and offerings that follow customs passed down through generations.
• Sawoo Bari Durga Puja (Dhanyakuria, West Basirhat) – Located in the heritage village of Dhanyakuria, the Sawoo Bari Puja is famous for its zamindari-style celebrations, grand thakur dalan (courtyard), and traditional cultural programs.[17]
• Kar Bari Durga Puja (Amtala, East Basirhat) – The Kar family has been hosting Durga Puja for decades, maintaining classical Bengali zamindari rituals, including elaborate Sandhi Puja and bhog distribution to devotees.
From top left to bottom right (a) Sawoo Bari durga puja, a historic zamindari-style celebration in Dhanyakuria, West Basirhat; (b) Prantik Square Sorbojonin – a grand barowari celebration in Basirhat; (c) Kar Bari durga puja, a traditional aristocratic celebration in East Basirhat; (d) A durga puja pandel in Basirhat city.
Grand Immersion on the Ichamati River
One of the most spectacular highlights of Basirhat’s Durga Puja is the immersion (Bisarjan) ceremony on the Ichamati River. The event is known for:
• Traditional boat processions – Large boats carrying the Durga idols traverse the river, creating a mesmerizing scene.
• Fireworks display – The night sky lights up with fireworks, marking the departure of the Goddess in a grand celebration.
• Mass participation – Thousands of devotees gather along the riverbanks, chanting "Bolo Durga Mai Ki Jai!", playing dhaak (drums), and engaging in cultural festivities.
The Ichamati immersion tradition connects Basirhat with its historical roots, reflecting the city’s deep cultural and religious significance.[18]
From top left to bottom right (a) Vijaya Dashami when Ichamati bears the divine,Basirhat’s sacred farewell to Maa Durga; (b) Illuminating divinity, Sandhi Puja's sacred flames merge devotion with grandeur; (c) An opulent Durga Puja pandal in Basirhat, epitomizing artistic splendor; (d) A magnificent Durga idol in Basirhat, where tradition meets artistic grandeur.
Cuisine
The exact history of Basirhat's Kanchagolla is not well-documented, but the sweet itself has been popular in Basirhat for over 200 years. The origin of Kanchagolla is often linked to Natore (now in Bangladesh), where it was created by Madhusudan Das in the early 19th century. However, Basirhat has also developed its own distinct version of the sweet over time. In Basirhat, Kanchagolla holds a special place in local confectionery traditions. The sweet's popularity in Basirhat has led local sweet makers to seek a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, aiming to recognize and protect its unique regional identity. This move underscores the city's rich history in sweet-making and the cultural significance of Kanchagolla in the region.[19]
Kanchagolla, or Sandesh (confectionery) a culinary testament to Bengal’s rich confectionery heritage and artisanal craftsmanship.
Infrastructure
Basirhat is undergoing significant growth and has booming real estate market, with an increasing number of high-income residents moving into the city, particularly in well-established residential areas.
Nocturnal Panorama of Basirhat, Captured in November 2018. An aerial tableau of Basirhat city at night, delineating its illuminated thoroughfares and intricate urban morphology.
Transportations
Road
In terms of infrastructure, Basirhat is poised for further expansion, with future projects such as the development of double-lane roads, which will improve connectivity within the city and to surrounding areas. This is expected to ease traffic congestion and enhance the overall urban experience.
Additionally, shopping malls and new commercial centers are expected to be part of the city's future, providing residents with modern amenities and services, making Basirhat an even more convenient and attractive place to live.
Gardens (green city project)
Alongside its urban development, Basirhat is blessed with several parks and green spaces, such as Surjakanta Lake View Park (Lake Terrace Park). Rabindra Saikat Park, Alok Jharna Park and several other parks are located along the banks of the Ichamati River. These parks provide residents with a refreshing contrast to the busy urban life, offering areas for relaxation, outdoor activities, and community gatherings.
In summary, Basirhat is a city on the rise, balancing urban expansion with natural beauty. With ongoing development projects, high-income residential areas, and improvements in infrastructure, the city is set to become an even more attractive and livable place in the coming years.
Lake Terrace, Basirhat CityRabindra Saikat Park, located in the banks of Ichamati river, Basirhat City
Education
Basirhat College was established in 1947. Affiliated with the West Bengal State University, it offers honours courses in Bengali, English, Sanskrit, philosophy, political science, history, geography, education, accountancy, mathematics, physics, chemistry, botany, zoology, physiology and economics. It also offers general courses in arts, science and commerce, and a post-graduate course in Bengali.[21][22]
Healthcare
Basirhat District & Super Specialty Hospital under The Health & Family Welfare Department of the State Government of West Bengal has been bestowed with the responsibility of conserving and emerging the health care facility within Basirhat sub-division & its surrounding catchment area since 1965, Basirhat District Hospital & Super Specialty Hospital caters health services amongst 22.7 lakhs populations covering 1777km2. In the year 2013, the 250 bedded Basirhat Sub-Division Hospital augmented to 300 Bedded District Hospital and later on, in the year 2017 the District Hospital increased with additional 300 beds with introduction of Super Specialty Hospital, now Basirhat District Hospital & Super Specialty Hospital running with 600 beds pride & success. [23]
Basirhat police station covers an area of 267km2 and serves a population of 637,538. Basirhat PS has under it Basirhat town outpost and two other outposts at Panitor and Boatghat. The police district has a 22km border, out which 14km is land border and 8km is riverine border. 11km of the border remains unfenced. Basirhat PS has jurisdiction over Basirhat municipal area and Basirhat I CD Block.[25]
Around half of the 4,095km long India-Bangladesh border has been fenced and vigil along the border has been tightened up. As of 2017, Cattle smuggling across the border was unofficially estimated to be a Rs. 4,000 crore business, half of it across the Basirhat border and the balance through Malda and Murshidabad.[26] In 2017, The Sunday Guardian reported, “The crackdown by the Border Security Force (BSF) on the illegal, but lucrative, business of cow smuggling along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, resulted in immense resentment among a section of the area’s minority community. This culminated in the communal flare-up in the state’s Basirhat sub-division earlier this month. A source close to the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress told The Sunday Guardian over phone, “Cow smuggling to Bangladesh, through the riverine border in Basirhat, Taki and other adjoining areas, has taken a hit as the BSF has become very strict and is maintaining a constant vigil. This has hurt the locals, who were earning crores from these illegal activities. Rendered jobless, they blamed the situation on the majority community.””[27]
CD block HQ
The headquarters of Basirhat I CD block are located at Basirhat.[28]
↑ "District Statistical Handbook". North 24 Parganas 2013, Tables 2.1, 2.2, 2.4b. Department of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of West Bengal. Archived from the original on 21 January 2019. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
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