Guptipara is a small town which is located in the subdivision of Chinsurah, in the Eastern Indian state of West Bengal on the banks of Hooghly River. This region is renowned for pioneering the concept of `community Durga Puja` in the state. `Makha Sandesh` and `Gupo Sandesh` are the two celebrated Sweets dishes found in the area of Guptipara. The distinguished singer, Bhola Moira, hails form Guptipara. The place is well-known for its numerous terracotta temples and its thatched huts with its terracotta carvings. `Aatchala` temples, adorned with bright, colourful paintings and `Ekratna` temples are also present in Guptipara.
Tourism in Guptipara
The temples of Vaishnava faith, namely Krishnachandra, Brindabanchandra, Ramchandra and Chaitanya based in Guptipara are excellent instances of architectural grandeur. The iconography of terracotta work in Guptipara, the temple of Ramchndra is wonderful. The temple has a lot of panels made up of bricks all over the western side. And above the arches of the southern side is fulfilled with terracotta works. A temple with "aatchala" construction, the octagonal-shaped walls have nice panels too is attracted by the tourists. Guptipara is the place where "Jorbangla" style captures the history of medieval Bengal.
Tourists can visit Bandel, which is located nearby and the Bandel Church, Bansberia and Kalna town are worth visiting. Guptipara was a citadel of Vaishnavite culture. Even today, residents observe Rash Festival , Holi and Ratha Yatra with great enthusiasm. Ratha Yatra is the greatest festival of Gupitpara. The Chariot of Guptipara is one of the tallest chariots in West Bengal, is said to cover the second longest distance after Puri Ratha Yatra. On the day before the Ultoratha, a festival known as Bhandarloot is observed in Guptipara by the local residents.
Visiting Information
The Howrah-Katwa local train can help visitors approach Guptipara in about one hour and 45 minutes. Thereafter, a rickshaw would help one commute to the temples, right from temples. The road of State Highway 6 is used to transport one from the city of Kolkata to Guptipara via the place called Jirat. Guptipara can be easily visited throughout the year.
Visitors must pay a visit to the four Vaishnava temples existent in Guptipara. The festivals like `Bhandarloot`, `Ratha Yatra`, `Dol`, `Ras` and others are celebrated with great pomp and glory in this area. Innumerable devotees participate in the holy procession of Rath Yatra in Guptipara.