Guptipara: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by 203.163.241.94
Last edited January 15, 2026
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
 
slightly refine layout additionally and cleaned formatting based on references
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Village in Hooghly, West Bengal, India}}{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Short description|Village in Hooghly, West Bengal, India}}
[https://Google Map.org]{{Use Indian English|date=May 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2021}}


{{refimprove|date=October 2017}}
{{more citations needed|date=October 2017}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                   = Guptipara
| name               = Guptipara
| native_name             =  
| native_name       =  
| native_name_lang       =  
| native_name_lang   =  
| other_name             =  
| other_name         =  
| nickname               =  
| nickname           =  
| settlement_type         = Village
| settlement_type   = Village
| image_skyline           =  
| image_skyline     = Guptipara Railway stations in Hooghly district 04.jpg
| image_alt               =  
| image_alt         =  
| image_caption           =  
| image_caption     =  
| pushpin_map             = India West Bengal#India
| pushpin_map       = India West Bengal#India
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt         =  
| pushpin_map_alt   =  
| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in West Bengal, India
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in West Bengal, India
| coordinates             = {{coord|23.2103|N|88.4043|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates       = {{coord|23.2103|N|88.4043|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type       = Country
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name       = {{flagu|India}}  
| subdivision_name   = {{flagu|India}}
| subdivision_type1       = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1       = [[West Bengal]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[West Bengal]]
| subdivision_type2       = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2       = [[Hooghly district|Hooghly]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Hooghly district|Hooghly]]
| established_title       = <!-- Established -->
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| established_date       =  
| established_date   =  
| founder                 =  
| founder           =  
| named_for               =  
| named_for         =  
| government_type         =  
| government_type   =  
| governing_body         =  
| governing_body     =  
| unit_pref               = Metric
| unit_pref         = Metric
| area_footnotes         =  
| area_footnotes     =  
| area_rank               =  
| area_rank         =  
| area_total_km2         =  
| area_total_km2     =  
| elevation_footnotes     =  
| elevation_footnotes =  
| elevation_m             =  
| elevation_m       =  
| population_total       = 2169
| population_total   = 2169
| population_as_of       = 2011
| population_as_of   = 2011
| population_rank         =  
| population_rank   =  
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym     =  
| population_demonym =  
| population_footnotes   =  
| population_footnotes =  
| demographics_type1     = Languages
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1   = Official
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1     = [[Bengali language|Bengali]], English
| demographics1_info1 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]], English
| timezone1               = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| timezone1         = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1             = +5:30
| utc_offset1       = +5:30
| postal_code_type       = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| postal_code_type   = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| postal_code             =  
| postal_code       =  
| registration_plate     =  
| registration_plate =  
| blank1_name_sec1       = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank1_name_sec1   = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank1_info_sec1       = [[Hooghly (Lok Sabha constituency)|Hooghly]]
| blank1_info_sec1   = [[Hooghly (Lok Sabha constituency)|Hooghly]]
| blank2_name_sec1       = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_name_sec1   = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_info_sec1       = [[Balagarh (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Balagarh]]
| blank2_info_sec1   = [[Balagarh (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Balagarh]]
| website                 =  
| website           =  
}}
}}


'''Guptipara''' is a village in [[Balagarh (community development block)|Balagarh]],<ref name=censusstatutory>{{cite web
'''Guptipara''' is a village in [[Balagarh (community development block)|Balagarh]],<ref name=censusstatutory>{{cite web
| url = http://www.wbcensus.gov.in/DataTables/01/Table-3.htm
| url = http://www.wbcensus.gov.in/DataTables/01/Table-3.htm
| title = District Wise List of Statutory Towns( Municipal Corporation,Municipality,Notified Area and Cantonment Board) , Census Towns and Outgrowths, West Bengal, 2001
| title = District Wise List of Statutory Towns (Municipal Corporation, Municipality, Notified Area and Cantonment Board), Census Towns and Outgrowths, West Bengal, 2001
|work =Census of India: Final Population Totals, West Bengal
|work =Census of India: Final Population Totals, West Bengal
| access-date = 2007-03-25
| access-date = 2007-03-25
| publisher = Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal
| publisher = Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070330052916/http://www.wbcensus.gov.in/DataTables/01/Table-3.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-03-30}}</ref> a [[Community development block in India|community development block]] that forms an administrative division in the Sadar subdivision of the [[Hooghly district]] in the [[India|Indian]] [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[West Bengal]].
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070330052916/http://www.wbcensus.gov.in/DataTables/01/Table-3.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-03-30}}</ref> a [[Community development block in India|community development block]] that forms an administrative division in the Sadar subdivision of the [[Hooghly district]] in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[West Bengal]].


==Geography==
==Geography==
Line 98: Line 99:
|mark-coord28={{coord|22|52|40|N|88|21|30|E}} | label-pos28=left|label28=Simla| numbered28=CT| mark-title28= [[Simla, West Bengal|Simla]] (CT)| shape-color28=#A40000
|mark-coord28={{coord|22|52|40|N|88|21|30|E}} | label-pos28=left|label28=Simla| numbered28=CT| mark-title28= [[Simla, West Bengal|Simla]] (CT)| shape-color28=#A40000
|mark-coord29={{coord| 23.131844|88.475278}}| label29=Hooghly |labela29=River| label-color29 = #77A1CB| label-angle29=0| label-pos29=top| label-size29=10| mark-size29=0| mark-title29 =none
|mark-coord29={{coord| 23.131844|88.475278}}| label29=Hooghly |labela29=River| label-color29 = #77A1CB| label-angle29=0| label-pos29=top| label-size29=10| mark-size29=0| mark-title29 =none
|mark-coord30={{coord|23|7|30|N|88|27|27|E}} | label-pos30=left|label30=Guptipara| numbered30=R| mark-title30= [[Guptipara]] (R)|shape-color30=black| label-size30=13|label-color30=black <!-- make the subject of the article stand out with black colors -->}}
|mark-coord30={{coord|23|7|30|N|88|27|27|E}} | label-pos30=left|label30=Guptipara| numbered30=R| mark-title30= Guptipara (R)|shape-color30=black| label-size30=13|label-color30=black <!-- make the subject of the article stand out with black colors -->}}


Guptipara sits beside the [[Hooghly River]] that divides Guptipara into two parts (Panchayat I and II are situated in the western part and Panchayat III is situated on the eastern side). Two oxbow lakes, Dekol and Dhama, are situated at the northern and southern end of Guptipara, respectively. Before the 15th century, many parts of Guptipara sank and were covered by lakes and rivers. {{refn|group=note|Reverend Long wrote in ‘Calcutta Review’ 1846, ‘The River (the Bhagirathi) formerly flowed behind [[Kalna, India|Kalna]] where old Kalna now is, and it passed by Pyagachi, the remains of deep and large lakes.'}}<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.98350|title=Calcutta And Its Neighbourhood: History of people and localities from 1690 to 1857|last=Long|first=James|publisher=Indian Publications|editor-last=Sen Gupta|editor-first=Sankar|location=Calcutta|publication-date=June 1974}}</ref> The Dekol was connected with the Hooghly by the ''Muri Ganga'' channel, which can no longer be traced. During floods, water from the river enters through the Muri Ganga Path before it reunites with Dekol. An increase in population and farming, floods, the STKK road and railway lines define the landscape. The village is part of the Hooghly-Burdwan rice belt.
Guptipara sits beside the [[Hooghly River]] that divides Guptipara into two parts (Panchayat I and II are situated in the western part and Panchayat III is situated on the eastern side). Two oxbow lakes, Dekol and Dhama, are situated at the northern and southern end of Guptipara, respectively. Before the 15th century, many parts of Guptipara sank and were covered by lakes and rivers. {{refn|group=note|Reverend Long wrote in 'Calcutta Review' 1846, 'The River (the Bhagirathi) formerly flowed behind [[Kalna, India|Kalna]] where old Kalna now is, and it passed by Pyagachi, the remains of deep and large lakes.'}}<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.98350|title=Calcutta And Its Neighbourhood: History of people and localities from 1690 to 1857|last=Long|first=James|publisher=Indian Publications|editor-last=Sen Gupta|editor-first=Sankar|location=Calcutta|publication-date=June 1974}}</ref> The Dekol was connected with the Hooghly by the ''Muri Ganga'' channel, which can no longer be traced. During floods, water from the river enters through the Muri Ganga Path before it reunites with Dekol. An increase in population and farming, floods, the STKK road and railway lines define the landscape. The village is part of the Hooghly-Burdwan rice belt.


==History==
==History==
Guptipara is the home of Bengal's first "Barowari" ({{lang-en|publicly organized}}) [[Durga Puja]] which introduced Sri Bindhabasini [[Jagaddhatri puja|Jagaddhatri Puja]] (Worshipping Devi Durga introduced by [[Lord Rama]]), with a club named Bindhyabasini. It is now known as Bindhyabasini Mata. In the 1760s, a group of men were stopped from taking part in the household [[Durga Puja]] of the ruling Sen family. In retaliation, twelve of these men formed a committee and organised a modern club culture called "Barowari Puja." (In Sanskrit''Bar'' means Public or community and in Farsi  ''wari'' means By or for)<ref name=telegraph>{{cite web
Guptipara is the home of Bengal's first "Barowari" ({{langx|en|publicly organized}}) [[Durga Puja]] which introduced Sri Bindhabasini [[Jagaddhatri puja|Jagaddhatri Puja]] (Worshipping Devi Durga introduced by [[Lord Rama]]), with a club named Bindhyabasini. It is now known as Bindhyabasini Mata.<ref>{{Cite web|title=বারো ইয়ারি আয়োজনে পূজিতা হন গুপ্তিপাড়ার বিন্ধ্যবাসিনী|url=https://anandautsav.anandabazar.com/puja-parikrama/durga-puja-2018-old-and-ancient-puja-of-guptipara-dgtl-1.881827|access-date=2021-08-17|website=anandautsav.anandabazar.com|language=en}}</ref> In the 1760s, a group of men were stopped from taking part in the household [[Durga Puja]] of the ruling Sen family. In retaliation, twelve of these men formed a committee and organised a modern club culture called "Barowari Puja." A group of twelve Brahmins, after being denied entry to a private Durga Puja at a wealthy household, decided to organize their own public celebration.
"Bāro" (Twelve) and "yāri" (friends/companions): The name "Barowari" is believed to stem from "bāro yāri" (twelve friends), symbolizing their collective effort to create a public festival.
<ref name=telegraph>{{cite web
| url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060326/asp/calcutta/story_6014771.asp
| url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060326/asp/calcutta/story_6014771.asp
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060629230728/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060326/asp/calcutta/story_6014771.asp
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 29 June 2006
| title = Next weekend you can be at ... Guptipara
| title = Next weekend you can be at ... Guptipara
| access-date = 2007-03-25
| access-date = 2007-03-25
Line 131: Line 137:
| publisher = iloveindia.com
| publisher = iloveindia.com
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
[[File:Bindhyabasini_Temple.jpg|thumb|Bindhyabasini Temple, Guptipara. The place of first Barwari puja of Undivided Bengal.]]
[[File:Bindhyabasini_Temple.jpg|200 px|thumb|Bindhyabasini Temple, Guptipara. The place of first Barwari puja of Undivided Bengal]]
[[File:Krishnachandra_Temple.jpg|thumb|200 px|Krishnachandra Temple, Guptipara, Hooghly]]
[[File:Ramchandra_Temple.jpg|thumb|200 px|Ramchandra Temple]]
[[File:VRINDAVANCHANDRA.jpg|thumb|200 px|Vrindabanchandra Temple]]
[[File:The temple complex in Guptipara.jpg|200 px|thumb|The temple complex in Guptipara, Hooghly]]
[[File:In_Mohanlal's_Memory.jpg|thumb|200 px|In Mohanlal's Memory]]
[[File:Chariot_of_Guptipara.jpg|thumb|200 px|Chariot of Guptipara]]
[[File:Guptipara Rath.jpg|thumb|200 px|Guptipara Rath]]
[[File:Guptipara Rath 4.jpg|thumb|200 px|Pulling of the chariot during ultorath]]
[[File:Bhandar Loot 30.jpg|thumb|200 px|Devotees come out temple during Bhandar Loot]]
[[File:Saroj Mohan Institute of Technology Guptipara.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Saroj Mohan Institute of Technology|Saroj Mohon Institute of Technology]]]]


Guptipara was one of the main places in ancient India where the "[[Sanskrit]] Toles" and Pandith lived. "Pathmahal," "Raghu Nath" Mandir, and ''Mela'' were situated throughout Guptipara in large numbers. Many old manuscripts and books are preserved in the "''Sisir Bani Mandir Pathagar''", the government library.
Guptipara was one of the main places in ancient India where the "[[Sanskrit]] Toles" and Pandith lived. "Pathmahal," "Raghu Nath" Mandir, and ''Mela'' were situated throughout Guptipara in large numbers. Many old manuscripts and books are preserved in the "''Sisir Bani Mandir Pathagar''", the government library.


Guptipara is the birthplace of folk singer Bhola Moira,<ref name = "Datta"/> and of [[Diwan Mohanlal]], the Commander in Chief of King [[Siraj ud-Daulah]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Sirajer putro o bangsadharder Sandhane|last=Amalendu Dey|publisher=Parul Prakashani Pvt. Ltd.|year=2012|isbn=9789382300472|location=Kolkata|pages=49|language=bn}}</ref>
Guptipara is the birthplace of folk singer Bhola Moira,<ref name = "Datta"/> and of [[Diwan Mohanlal]], the Commander in Chief of King [[Siraj ud-Daulah]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Sirajer putro o bangsadharder Sandhane|last=Amalendu Dey|publisher=Parul Prakashani Pvt. Ltd.|year=2012|isbn=9789382300472|location=Kolkata|pages=49|language=bn}}</ref>
[[File:In_Mohanlal's_Memory.jpg|thumb|In Mohanlal's Memory]]
 


The temple complex at [[Brindaban Chandra's Math]] houses four [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnava]] Temples: Chaitanya, Brindabanchandra, Ramchandra and Krishnachandra. The Ramchandra Temples contain many [[terracotta]] works,<ref name="telegraph" /> and the structures bear characteristics of the [[Bengal temple architecture|Bengal school of architecture]], with carvings depicting scenes from the [[epic (genre)|epics]] and [[Puranas]].<ref name="telegraph" />
The temple complex at [[Brindaban Chandra's Math]] houses four [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnava]] Temples: Chaitanya, Brindabanchandra, Ramchandra and Krishnachandra. The Ramchandra Temples contain many [[terracotta]] works,<ref name="telegraph" /> and the structures bear characteristics of the [[Bengal temple architecture|Bengal school of architecture]], with carvings depicting scenes from the [[epic (genre)|epics]] and [[Puranas]].<ref name="telegraph" />
[[File:Krishnachandra_Temple.jpg|thumb|Krishnachandra Temple, Guptipara, Hooghly]]
[[File:Ramchandra_Temple.jpg|thumb|Ramchandra Temple]]
[[File:VRINDAVANCHANDRA.jpg|thumb|250 px|Vrindabanchandra Temple]]
[[File:The temple complex in Guptipara.jpg|thumb|The temple complex in Guptipara, Hooghly.]]


Guptipara was a citadel of Vaishnavite culture. Even today, residents observe Ras, Dol and [[Ratha-Yatra]], which is Guptipara’s greatest festival. The Guptipara ''ratha'' ({{lang-en|ceremonial chariot}}), one of the tallest and oldest ''rathas'' in West Bengal, is said to cover the second-longest distance in India after that of [[Puri]]. On the day before the Ultorath (the homecoming of Lord Bridabanchandra), a festival known as "Bhandarloot" is held in Guptipara. Many people across Eastern India come gather there to pull the ropes of the ''ratha''.
Guptipara was a citadel of Vaishnavite culture. Even today, residents observe Ras, Dol and [[Ratha-Yatra]], which is Guptipara's greatest festival. The Guptipara ''ratha'' ({{langx|en|ceremonial chariot}}), one of the tallest and oldest ''rathas'' in West Bengal, is said to cover the second-longest distance in India after that of [[Puri]]. On the day before the Ultorath (the homecoming of Lord Bridabanchandra), a festival known as "Bhandarloot" is held in Guptipara. Many people across Eastern India come gather there to pull the ropes of the ''ratha''.


Guptipara is the home of the first branded Bengali "''Gupo [[Sandesh (confectionery)|sandesh]],''" a special kind of sweetmeat.<ref name="telegraph" />
Guptipara is the home of the first branded Bengali "''Gupo [[Sandesh (confectionery)|sandesh]],''" a special kind of sweetmeat.<ref name="telegraph" />
Line 156: Line 168:
Guptipara is connected by roadways, including the Assam (S.T.K.K.) Road.
Guptipara is connected by roadways, including the Assam (S.T.K.K.) Road.


Buses are available from district headquarters [[Chinsurah]] & [[Kalna, India|Kalna]] (Kalna–Chinsurah 8 No. Private Bus), [[Burdwan]] (Guptipara–Burdwan) and [[Tarakeswar]] (Guptipara–Tarakeswar).  
Buses are available from district headquarters [[Chinsurah]] & [[Kalna, India|Kalna]] (Kalna–Chinsurah 8 No. Private Bus), [[Burdwan]] (Guptipara–Burdwan) and [[Tarakeswar]] (Guptipara–Tarakeswar).


Ferry service to Guptipara is available from [[Shantipur]] and Tarapur.  
Ferry service to Guptipara is available from [[Shantipur]] and Tarapur.


Autorickshaw services are available from [[Jirat]] (Jirat–Guptipara) and from Kalna (Kalna–Guptipara).
Autorickshaw services are available from [[Jirat]] (Jirat–Guptipara) and from Kalna (Kalna–Guptipara).


==Sports==
==Sports==
The two main sports clubs are over one-hundred and twenty years old: The Gupitara Football Club and the Gupitara Premier League. The Guptipara Football Club, Aida Milani Sangha, and the Guptipara Cricket Association arrange regular tournaments. The Guptipara Premier League in cricket received some fame and came into the spotlight of Bengal Media. These clubs organize football tournaments at Guptipara.
The two main sports clubs are over one-hundred and twenty years old: The Gupitara Football Club and the Gupitara Premier League.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}} The Guptipara Football Club, Aida Milani Sangha, and the Guptipara Cricket Association arrange regular tournaments. The Guptipara Premier League in cricket received some fame and came into the spotlight of Bengal Media. These clubs organize football tournaments at Guptipara.


==Administration==
==Administration==
Line 171: Line 183:


===Heads of Administration===
===Heads of Administration===
*[[Hooghly (Lok Sabha constituency)|M.P.: Locket Chatterjee]]
*[[Hooghly (Lok Sabha constituency)|M.P. Rachana Banerjee
*[[Balagarh (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|MLA: Asim Majhi]]
*[[Balagarh (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|MLA: Asim Majhi]]
*Zilla Parishad: Paritosh Ghosh
*Zilla Parishad: Paritosh Ghosh
Line 181: Line 193:


===College===
===College===
[[Saroj Mohan Institute of Technology]]
*[[Saroj Mohan Institute of Technology]]


===Higher Secondary schools===
===Higher Secondary schools===
* [[Guptipara High School]] ({{abbr|est.|established}}&nbsp;1890, Near Guptipara police outpost, Bhattacharya Para. Co-ed) <ref>[http://www.icbse.com/schools/guptipara-high-school/19121400501 Guptipara High School]</ref>[[File:Saroj Mohan Institute of Technology Guptipara.jpg|thumb|216x216px|Saroj Mohon Institute of Technology]]
* [[Guptipara High School]] ({{abbr|est.|established}}&nbsp;1890, Near Guptipara police outpost, Bhattacharya Para. Co-ed) <ref>[http://www.icbse.com/schools/guptipara-high-school/19121400501 Guptipara High School]</ref>
* Guptipara Girls High School (est. 1950, Hugli. Co-ed) <ref>[http://www.icbse.com/schools/guptipara-girls-high-school/19121402201 Guptipara Girls High School]</ref>
* Guptipara Girls High School (est. 1950, Hugli. Co-ed) <ref>[http://www.icbse.com/schools/guptipara-girls-high-school/19121402201 Guptipara Girls High School]</ref>


Line 199: Line 211:


==Festivals and culture==
==Festivals and culture==
[[File:Guptipara Rath.jpg|thumb|250 px|Guptipara Rath]]
Guptiparans celebrate several events: Ratha Yatra, Jagadhatri Puja, Durga Puja, Dol Yatra, Jhapan, Kali Puja and many local festivals, including [[Guptipara Rathayatra]].
Guptiparans celebrate several events: Ratha Yatra, Jagadhatri Puja, Durga Puja, Dol Yatra, Jhapan, Kali Puja and many local festivals, including [[Guptipara Rathayatra]].


===Ratha-Yatra===
===Ratha-Yatra===
{{Main article|Guptipara Rathayatra}}
{{Main article|Guptipara Rathayatra}}
[[File:Chariot_of_Guptipara.jpg|thumb|Chariot of Guptipara]]
Ratha Yatra is the main attraction. At approximately 2&nbsp;km, the Guptipara Ratha covers the second largest distance in India.<ref name="Datta">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1090906/jsp/calcutta/story_11457400.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028132521/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090906/jsp/calcutta/story_11457400.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 October 2010|title=Next Weekend you can be at ... Guptipara|last1=Datta|first1=Rangan|date=6 Sep 2009|work=[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)|The Telegraph]]|access-date=25 July 2015}}</ref> It starts from the temple complex in Lord Brindaban Chandra Temple and stretches to Lord Gopal Temple at Borobazar, Guptipara. Approximately one million people gather there to celebrate the Ratha Yatra. On the eve of the Ulto Rath, Guptipara holds a unique ritual known as Bhandar Loot. During Bhandar Loot the bhog is not distributed but looted.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Datta |first1=Rangan |title=Bhandar Loot — a unique folk event celebrated a day before the Ulto Rath |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/events/bhandar-loot-a-unique-folk-event-of-guptipara-west-bengal-which-takes-place-a-day-before-the-ulto-rath/cid/1947178 |access-date=26 June 2023 |work=My Kolkata |publisher=The Telegraph |date=23 June 2023}}</ref>
Ratha Yatra is the main attraction. At approximately 2&nbsp;km, the Guptipara Ratha covers the second largest distance in India.<ref name="Datta">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1090906/jsp/calcutta/story_11457400.jsp|title=Next Weekend you can be at ... Guptipara|last1=Datta|first1=Rangan|date=6 Sep 2009|work=[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)|The Telegraph]]|access-date=25 July 2015}}</ref> It starts from the temple complex in Lord Brindaban Chandra Temple and stretches to Lord Gopal Temple at Borobazar, Guptipara. Approximately one million people gather there to celebrate the Ratha Yatra.


===Jagaddhatri Puja===
===Jagaddhatri Puja===
Barowari committees and houses organize Jagadhatri Puja. The main attraction is a firecracker competition and procession that takes place on the last evening of the Puja.  
Barowari committees and houses organize Jagadhatri Puja. The main attraction is a firecracker competition and procession that takes place on the last evening of the Puja.


===Durga Puja===
===Durga Puja===
Like other areas of Bengal, Guptipara hosts Durga Puja. Puja from the Sen's house is one of the oldest traditions in Bengal. The famous clubs who organize Durga Puja are United Club, Saradanagar New Young Star, Bandhagachi Barowari, Azad hind Club, SMIT, Jagarani Sangha, Durga Mandir, Nirbhik Sangha, Daspara Barowari, Bhumijpara Barowari, Swaralipi Club, Evergreen, Thakurpara Barowari,Aryanagar Barowari, and Sasthitala Barowari. At least 100 small and big pujas have been organized here.
Like other areas of Bengal, Guptipara hosts Durga Puja. Puja from the Sen's house is one of the oldest traditions in Bengal. The famous clubs who organize Durga Puja are United Club, Saradanagar New Young Star, Bandhagachi Barowari, Azad hind Club, SMIT, Jagarani Sangha, Durga Mandir, Nirbhik Sangha, Daspara Barowari, Bhumijpara Barowari, Swaralipi Club, Evergreen, Thakurpara Barowari, Aryanagar Barowari, and Sasthitala Barowari. At least 100 small and big pujas have been organized here.


===Kali Puja===
===Kali Puja===
The main attractions are Desh Kali Puja & Mashal Kali Puja (Deceits Kali). Flares are often used in the procession of Mashal Kali Puja.
The main attractions are Desh Kali Puja & Mashal Kali Puja (Deceits Kali). Flares are often used in the procession of Mashal Kali Puja.
===Food===
Signature dishes include:
*Famous Pitai Porota
*Singara (Samosa)
*Famous Nalen Gurer Sandesh
*Kachuri
*gupo sondes


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 17:42, 15 January 2026


Guptipara
Village
Location in West Bengal, India
Guptipara is located in India
Guptipara
Guptipara
Guptipara (India)
Coordinates: 23°12′37″N 88°24′15″E / 23.2103°N 88.4043°E / 23.2103; 88.4043
Country India
StateWest Bengal
DistrictHooghly
Population
 (2011)
 • Total2,169
Languages
 • OfficialBengali, English
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Lok Sabha constituencyHooghly
Vidhan Sabha constituencyBalagarh

Guptipara is a village in Balagarh,[1] a community development block that forms an administrative division in the Sadar subdivision of the Hooghly district in the Indian state of West Bengal.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Lua error in Module:OSM_Location_map at line 1984: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

Guptipara sits beside the Hooghly River that divides Guptipara into two parts (Panchayat I and II are situated in the western part and Panchayat III is situated on the eastern side). Two oxbow lakes, Dekol and Dhama, are situated at the northern and southern end of Guptipara, respectively. Before the 15th century, many parts of Guptipara sank and were covered by lakes and rivers. [note 1][2] The Dekol was connected with the Hooghly by the Muri Ganga channel, which can no longer be traced. During floods, water from the river enters through the Muri Ganga Path before it reunites with Dekol. An increase in population and farming, floods, the STKK road and railway lines define the landscape. The village is part of the Hooghly-Burdwan rice belt.

History[edit | edit source]

Guptipara is the home of Bengal's first "Barowari" (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) Durga Puja which introduced Sri Bindhabasini Jagaddhatri Puja (Worshipping Devi Durga introduced by Lord Rama), with a club named Bindhyabasini. It is now known as Bindhyabasini Mata.[3] In the 1760s, a group of men were stopped from taking part in the household Durga Puja of the ruling Sen family. In retaliation, twelve of these men formed a committee and organised a modern club culture called "Barowari Puja." A group of twelve Brahmins, after being denied entry to a private Durga Puja at a wealthy household, decided to organize their own public celebration. "Bāro" (Twelve) and "yāri" (friends/companions): The name "Barowari" is believed to stem from "bāro yāri" (twelve friends), symbolizing their collective effort to create a public festival. [4][5] Opinions vary about the year of commencement of the Barowari puja. Some believe it to be 1760 while others claim it to be 1790.[6][7]

Bindhyabasini Temple, Guptipara. The place of first Barwari puja of Undivided Bengal
Krishnachandra Temple, Guptipara, Hooghly
Ramchandra Temple
Vrindabanchandra Temple
The temple complex in Guptipara, Hooghly
In Mohanlal's Memory
Chariot of Guptipara
Guptipara Rath
Pulling of the chariot during ultorath
Devotees come out temple during Bhandar Loot
Saroj Mohon Institute of Technology

Guptipara was one of the main places in ancient India where the "Sanskrit Toles" and Pandith lived. "Pathmahal," "Raghu Nath" Mandir, and Mela were situated throughout Guptipara in large numbers. Many old manuscripts and books are preserved in the "Sisir Bani Mandir Pathagar", the government library.

Guptipara is the birthplace of folk singer Bhola Moira,[8] and of Diwan Mohanlal, the Commander in Chief of King Siraj ud-Daulah.[9]


The temple complex at Brindaban Chandra's Math houses four Vaishnava Temples: Chaitanya, Brindabanchandra, Ramchandra and Krishnachandra. The Ramchandra Temples contain many terracotta works,[4] and the structures bear characteristics of the Bengal school of architecture, with carvings depicting scenes from the epics and Puranas.[4]

Guptipara was a citadel of Vaishnavite culture. Even today, residents observe Ras, Dol and Ratha-Yatra, which is Guptipara's greatest festival. The Guptipara ratha (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.), one of the tallest and oldest rathas in West Bengal, is said to cover the second-longest distance in India after that of Puri. On the day before the Ultorath (the homecoming of Lord Bridabanchandra), a festival known as "Bhandarloot" is held in Guptipara. Many people across Eastern India come gather there to pull the ropes of the ratha.

Guptipara is the home of the first branded Bengali "Gupo sandesh," a special kind of sweetmeat.[4]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As per the 2011 Census of India, the population was 2,169, of which 1,090 (50%) were males and 1,079 (50%) were females. 192 of the population was below age 6. The literacy rate was 83.92% of the population over age 6.[10]

Transport[edit | edit source]

Guptipara can be reached from Kolkata or Howrah on the suburban train service. Local trains from Howrah, Katwa and Bandel stop at Guptipara railway station. Train service is also available from Sealdah. Guptipara is 74 km (46 mi) from Howrah and 35 km (22 mi) from Bandel on the Bandel–Katwa Branch Line.[11]

Guptipara is connected by roadways, including the Assam (S.T.K.K.) Road.

Buses are available from district headquarters Chinsurah & Kalna (Kalna–Chinsurah 8 No. Private Bus), Burdwan (Guptipara–Burdwan) and Tarakeswar (Guptipara–Tarakeswar).

Ferry service to Guptipara is available from Shantipur and Tarapur.

Autorickshaw services are available from Jirat (Jirat–Guptipara) and from Kalna (Kalna–Guptipara).

Sports[edit | edit source]

The two main sports clubs are over one-hundred and twenty years old: The Gupitara Football Club and the Gupitara Premier League.[citation needed] The Guptipara Football Club, Aida Milani Sangha, and the Guptipara Cricket Association arrange regular tournaments. The Guptipara Premier League in cricket received some fame and came into the spotlight of Bengal Media. These clubs organize football tournaments at Guptipara.

Administration[edit | edit source]

Guptipara is divided into three administrative parts, or gram panchayats. Guptipara I covers areas like Guptipara Station Road, Satgachia, Bandhagachi, Pathmahal, Mirdanga, Tengripara, and Saradanagar villages. Guptipara II covers the largest area with Manasatala, Pathakpukur, Beldanga, Kumorpara, Chutorpara, Baburdanga, Aryanagar, Rathsadak, Jamtala, Behula, Ghoshpara, Sondolpur, Rampur, Aida, and Baire, as well as many other small villages. Guptipara III covers Fultala, Char-Krishnabati, Benali, Shaktipur etc.

Guptipara is under The Hooghly Lok Sabha and Balagarh Vidhan Sabha.

Heads of Administration[edit | edit source]

  • [[Hooghly (Lok Sabha constituency)|M.P. Rachana Banerjee
  • MLA: Asim Majhi
  • Zilla Parishad: Paritosh Ghosh
  • Pradhan Guptipara -I: Padma Roy
  • Pradhan Guptipara -II: Sonali Ghosh
  • Pradhan Guptipara -III: Sanjib Mahato

Education[edit | edit source]

College[edit | edit source]

Higher Secondary schools[edit | edit source]

  • Guptipara High School (est. 1890, Near Guptipara police outpost, Bhattacharya Para. Co-ed) [12]
  • Guptipara Girls High School (est. 1950, Hugli. Co-ed) [13]

Secondary schools[edit | edit source]

  • Satyabrata Balika Vidyalaya (Girls Only)[14]
  • Krishna Bati Char High School (Co-Ed)[15]
  • Satgachia High School (Co-Ed)[16]
  • Natagarh High School (Co-Ed)[17]
  • Sultanpur Alia Sr. Madarasah School (Co-Ed)[18]
  • Satgachia Balika Vidyalaya (Girls only)

Mission[edit | edit source]

  1. Hindu Mission Boys Welfare Home

Festivals and culture[edit | edit source]

Guptiparans celebrate several events: Ratha Yatra, Jagadhatri Puja, Durga Puja, Dol Yatra, Jhapan, Kali Puja and many local festivals, including Guptipara Rathayatra.

Ratha-Yatra[edit | edit source]

Main article: Guptipara Rathayatra

Ratha Yatra is the main attraction. At approximately 2 km, the Guptipara Ratha covers the second largest distance in India.[8] It starts from the temple complex in Lord Brindaban Chandra Temple and stretches to Lord Gopal Temple at Borobazar, Guptipara. Approximately one million people gather there to celebrate the Ratha Yatra. On the eve of the Ulto Rath, Guptipara holds a unique ritual known as Bhandar Loot. During Bhandar Loot the bhog is not distributed but looted.[19]

Jagaddhatri Puja[edit | edit source]

Barowari committees and houses organize Jagadhatri Puja. The main attraction is a firecracker competition and procession that takes place on the last evening of the Puja.

Durga Puja[edit | edit source]

Like other areas of Bengal, Guptipara hosts Durga Puja. Puja from the Sen's house is one of the oldest traditions in Bengal. The famous clubs who organize Durga Puja are United Club, Saradanagar New Young Star, Bandhagachi Barowari, Azad hind Club, SMIT, Jagarani Sangha, Durga Mandir, Nirbhik Sangha, Daspara Barowari, Bhumijpara Barowari, Swaralipi Club, Evergreen, Thakurpara Barowari, Aryanagar Barowari, and Sasthitala Barowari. At least 100 small and big pujas have been organized here.

Kali Puja[edit | edit source]

The main attractions are Desh Kali Puja & Mashal Kali Puja (Deceits Kali). Flares are often used in the procession of Mashal Kali Puja.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "District Wise List of Statutory Towns (Municipal Corporation, Municipality, Notified Area and Cantonment Board), Census Towns and Outgrowths, West Bengal, 2001". Census of India: Final Population Totals, West Bengal. Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal. Archived from the original on 30 March 2007. Retrieved 25 March 2007.
  2. ↑ Long, James (June 1974). Sen Gupta, Sankar (ed.). Calcutta And Its Neighbourhood: History of people and localities from 1690 to 1857. Calcutta: Indian Publications.
  3. ↑ "বারো ইয়ারি আয়োজনে পূজিতা হন গুপ্তিপাড়ার বিন্ধ্যবাসিনী". anandautsav.anandabazar.com. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Sengupta, Tithiparna (26 March 2006). "Next weekend you can be at ... Guptipara". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 29 June 2006. Retrieved 25 March 2007.
  5. ↑ "Durga Puja Festival in West bengal". Yellowpages.com. Retrieved 1 February 2008.
  6. ↑ "Durga Puja". Calcuttaweb. Archived from the original on 12 April 2007. Retrieved 25 March 2007.
  7. ↑ "History of Durga Puja". Festivals: Durga Puja. iloveindia.com. Retrieved 25 March 2007.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Datta, Rangan (6 September 2009). "Next Weekend you can be at ... Guptipara". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 28 October 2010. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  9. ↑ Amalendu Dey (2012). Sirajer putro o bangsadharder Sandhane (in Bengali). Kolkata: Parul Prakashani Pvt. Ltd. p. 49. ISBN 9789382300472.
  10. ↑ "C.D. Block Wise Primary Census Abstract Data(PCA)". 2011 census: West Bengal – District-wise CD Blocks. Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  11. ↑ Railway local timetable
  12. ↑ Guptipara High School
  13. ↑ Guptipara Girls High School
  14. ↑ Satyabrata Balika Vidyalaya
  15. ↑ Krishna Bati Char High School
  16. ↑ Satgachia High School
  17. ↑ Natagarh High School
  18. ↑ Sultanpur Alia Sr. Madarasah School
  19. ↑ Datta, Rangan (23 June 2023). "Bhandar Loot — a unique folk event celebrated a day before the Ulto Rath". My Kolkata. The Telegraph. Retrieved 26 June 2023.

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Reverend Long wrote in 'Calcutta Review' 1846, 'The River (the Bhagirathi) formerly flowed behind Kalna where old Kalna now is, and it passed by Pyagachi, the remains of deep and large lakes.'

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Guptipara&oldid=467543"
Discover more