Babughat, which is also known as Baje Kadamtala Ghat or Raj Chandra Ghat is one of the many ghats built during the transition time of The rule of Siraj ud daullah, the independent ruler of Bengal in Murshidabad and British East India Company in India.
Location of Babughat
Babu Ghat or Baboo Ghat is located along the river bank of Hooghly on its bank on Strand Road at Kolkata.
Architecture of Babughat
Babu Ghat has a tall colonial structure, which is the landing berth of the ghat. It is a fine Doric-Greek style pavilion with huge pillars. Babu Ghat was originally known as Babu Raj Chandra Ghat.
Naming of Babu Ghat
Babu Ghat is named after Raj Chandra Das, husband of Rani Rashmoni and zamindar of Janbazar, who built it in 1830, in memory of her late husband. A marble tablet beneath the pediment implies that carries some of the credit for the erection of Babu ghat must go to Lord William Bentinck as he encouraged such spending with a view to improve public amenities.
The pavilion of Babu Ghat is completely encroached by vendors and pandas. The old colonial structure and stairs leading to the river are in various stages of decay and derelict. A section of ghat originally meant for bathing of ladies has turned in to a garbage point.However, ever so, the ghat is bustling with crowds since morning till late evening with people who use it for bathing, puja, religious ceremonies, massage and leisure. During Chhath Puja, a huge crowd can be seen on Babu ghat performing their puja. The ghat is also used during Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, Kali Puja rather in all festivals for immersion of idols.
Tourism near Babu Ghat
Near Babu ghat, one can often visit Eden Gardens and Eden Gardens Stadium, Netaji Indoor Stadium, Akashvani, Town Hall, Millennium Park, Metcalfe Hall and Prinsep Ghat. A travel with Kolkata Circular Railway which is located just adjacent to Babughat will give an awesome experience while visiting Babu Ghat.
Visiting information
Babughat is a unique junction point of Kolkata where one can find various modes of transport like, bus, ferry and train to go towards various directions. Now Babu Ghat is one of the major transit points in the riverside Kolkata.
