Durga Puja at Shobhabazar Rajbari

Shobhabazar Rajbari, one of the oldest aristocratic royal houses of Kolkata, was built in the mid-18th century by Raja Nabakrishna Deb, a prominent zamindar and supporter of the Brahmo Samaj Movement led by Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Located at Shobhabazar near Shyambazar, the Rajbari is a significant heritage site reflecting the grandeur of Kolkata’s feudal past.

Raja Nabakrishna Deb rose to prominence through his association with Lord Clive and the British East India Company, eventually becoming an influential figure during the early colonial period. He played an important role in the Bengal Renaissance and is credited with initiating the tradition of grand Durga Puja celebrations at the Rajbari in 1757, after the Battle of Plassey. The puja attracted many eminent personalities, including British officials and renowned Indian social and spiritual leaders.

A key architectural feature of the Rajbari is the Nat Mandap (Thakurdalan)—a large open courtyard supported by massive columns and arches, once used for festivals and cultural gatherings. Despite partial structural decay, the Rajbari still retains its majestic charm and remains famous for its historic Durga Puja, celebrated annually in October–November.

Shobhabazar Rajbari Raja Nabakrishna Deb

Durga Puja at Shobhabazar Rajbari: A Tryst with History and Heritage, organized with Rritobak, showcased the centuries-old tradition of Durga Puja at Shobhabazar Rajbari through illustrations by Shri Prabir Krishna Deb, a descendant of Raja Nabakrishna Deb. An animated video based on these artworks brought the Rajbari’s rich history to life.

The narrative highlighted Nabakrishna Deb’s association with Robert Clive and the historic Durga Puja of 1757, held after the Battle of Plassey, which laid the foundation of Kolkata’s Durga Puja tradition. The exhibition traced the evolution of Durga Puja from a private aristocratic ritual to today’s grand public celebration, emphasizing its role as a lasting and defining element of Bengali cultural identity.