Introduction
Among Kolkata’s many Bonedi Bari Durga Pujas, the Hatkhola Dutta Bari stands tall as one of the city’s oldest and most revered family celebrations. Located in North Kolkata, this aristocratic mansion has been the seat of devotion, tradition, and cultural pride for over three hundred years, upholding the customs of Bengal’s earliest Durga Puja rituals.
A Heritage that Dates Back to 1716
The Hatkhola Dutta Bari Durga Puja traces its origins to 1716 CE, founded by Ramcharan Dutta, an affluent and respected zamindar of Kolkata. The family’s history is intertwined with the very evolution of the city itself — when Calcutta was being established under British rule, the Dutts moved from Gobindapur (where Fort William was built) to Hatkhola, near Sovabazar and Chitpur.
Since then, the Dutta family’s ancestral home has been a vibrant center of faith and festivity, where the Goddess Durga has been worshipped for over three centuries without interruption.
A Unique Idol and Artistic Chalchitra
The idol of Goddess Durga at Hatkhola Dutta Bari is traditional in form and meticulously crafted by artisans who have served the family for generations. What makes this puja artistically distinctive is its Chalchitra (the painted wooden backdrop behind the idol).
Unlike most conventional chalchitras, the one at Hatkhola Dutta Bari is divided into three elaborate sections depicting scenes from Hindu mythology — Radha and Krishna, Ram and Sita, and Chandi’s war with Shumbha and Nishumbha. Alongside, divine forms such as Kali, the Dashavataras of Vishnu, and images of Shiva, Lakshmi, and Saraswati adorn the panel. The result is a magnificent tableau that reflects both spiritual symbolism and Bengal’s artistic legacy.
Rituals that Preserve Old Traditions
The Dutta family’s Durga Puja is celebrated with a deep sense of reverence, maintaining every traditional ritual intact. The bodhon or invocation of the goddess begins well before the main festival days — in the family’s custom, the ritual cycle spans fifteen days.
While some older zamindar houses once practiced animal sacrifice, the Hatkhola Dutta family later replaced it with symbolic offerings of fruits and vegetables, reflecting a compassionate evolution of tradition. Every offering, chant, and ceremony echoes the same devotion that has guided the family through centuries.
The Thakur Dalan: The Sacred Courtyard
At the heart of the mansion lies the Thakur Dalan, an elegant courtyard framed by tall columns and arches. This open-air sanctum serves as the divine stage where the goddess is worshipped amid rhythmic dhaak beats and the fragrance of incense.
The architectural symmetry and timeworn grandeur of the space transport visitors into the atmosphere of 18th-century Kolkata, where family, faith, and festivity merged seamlessly.
A Heritage Puja Known for Its Dignity
The Durga Puja at Hatkhola Dutta Bari may not attract the massive crowds of Kolkata’s grand public pandals, but it remains one of the most admired Bonedi Bari Pujas for heritage enthusiasts. It is featured in heritage puja walks, photo tours, and documentaries highlighting Kolkata’s aristocratic traditions.
The family’s emphasis on solemn rituals over spectacle gives this puja a dignified charm — a true reflection of Bengal’s spiritual and cultural ethos.
A Touching Post-Immersion Tradition
One of the most heartwarming customs of the Dutta family is observed after the Visarjan (immersion) of the idol. As the men of the family return from the Ganga, they sing patriotic songs such as “Bangamar Janani” — a beautiful expression of love for both the goddess and the motherland. This ritual, introduced in the pre-independence era, continues to this day as a symbol of faith intertwined with national pride.
How to Reach Hatkhola Dutta Bari
Location: Near Sovabazar-Jorabagan area, Hatkhola, North Kolkata, West Bengal
Nearest Metro Station: Sovabazar Sutanuti or Girish Park
Landmarks: Close to Sovabazar Rajbari and Chitpur Road heritage houses
The mansion is easily accessible by taxi or metro and often included in Bonedi Bari Durga Puja heritage tours organized during the festive season.
A Living Testament to Kolkata’s Ancestral Faith
The Hatkhola Dutta Bari Durga Puja is not just a ritual — it is a living chronicle of Kolkata’s cultural evolution. Through changing times, the Dutta family’s devotion to Goddess Durga has remained unshaken, making their home a beacon of continuity, heritage, and sacred artistry.
To witness this puja is to experience a rare blend of history, devotion, and timeless Bengali grace — a reminder that true grandeur lies not in extravagance, but in tradition carried forward with love