Kalighat is a famous pilgrim place in the city of Kolkata. The
place is situated south of the city center and at a distance of
about 6 kms from it. The region is hooked with the city via
roadways, subway and rail lines. The locality contains the Kali
Temple, one of the most sacred places in the city. The deity,
Goddess Kali, is worshipped all over the place.
Kalighat bears some impressions on the history of Kolkata itself.
According to the popular belief this area represents the place where
the toe of Sati in the course of Lord Shiva's dance of cosmic
destruction. The present Kolkata is believed to have been derived
from the ancient population dwelling at Kalighat. However, the Kali
Temple, as it exists today is not more than 200 years old.
The Kali Temple is the prime attraction of the region. Every year
the place sees hundreds of pilgrims who travel from all over India.
The pilgrimage site is often congested. Their is a large crowd of
devotees and numerous stalls selling offerings and worshipping
amenities. For years now there have been complaints about the
pollution on the west banks of the nearby canal.
As a city suburb, Kalighat provides most of the facilities to its
local population. Although the region is not a booming commercial
center but it serves well in the vicinity.
Accessibility
- The distance between Kalighat and the city center is about 6
kms. The Kalighat Metro Station is the most prefered means of
accessing the township.
- Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Road passes through the city heart
land. Popular means of transportation like buses, taxis and auto
rickshaws are easily available.
- The place also has a suburban railway station towards the
southern end.
- The Behala Airport, which is the domestic airport is about 6
kms away.
Areas Under Kalighat
- Chetla
- Jatindas Park
- Rabindra Sarovar
Other
