torsa.in: Let’s reach Tiretta Bazar area in Central Kolkata early in the morning. You will find vendors selling momos, dumplings, fish and meat balls and many more Chinese breakfast items. Vendors are Chinese-Indians. Tiretta Bazar a is also known as Old China Town. This authentic Chinese street food market of Tiretta Bazar sets for some hours in the morning only.
In the second half of the 19th century some Chinese workers arrived Kolkata, earstwhile Calcutta, for working at the ports in Calcutta and Madras. Later more Chinese immigrants came to the city and the first permanent Chinese settlement was built at Tiretta Bazar area in Central Kolkata. The area is also called as Chinatown and Old China market.
In Tiretta Bazar area there are some interesting Chinese Temples. Authentic Chinese Restaurants are also available here. The new China Town has come up later at Tangra area in eastern Kolkata.
In the earlier 19th century, Calcutta (Kolkata) emerged as the second-most important city, next to London, in the British Empire.The English rulers divided Kolkata into ‘White Town’ around Dalhousie Square (presently BBD Bag) and the natives’ ‘Black Town’. Bowbazar ( Known as Boubazar) became the area of settlers who belonged to nither. And, thus, Bowbazar became a confluence of different cultures, religions, languages, cuisines. The architect of Tiretta Market was Eduardo Tiretta, an Italian.
Parsis Settled here in Boubazar area. The holy flame has been burning in the Anjuman Atash Adaran temple built in 1900s. Non-Parsis are not allowed to enter that part where the flame burns. The temple is located on the Metcalfe Street (Bandook Gali) in the Boubazar area. The number of Parsis has dwindled, but Who still live in Kolkata come to this temple.
You will pass through the Anglo-Indian locality Bow Barracks. Actually, people from several faiths reside here , Anglo-Indians constitute the majority. This Anglo-Indian enclave celebrates Christmas colourfully. Bow Street and neighbouring localities like Metcalfe street, Robert Street are decorated in Christmas for accommodating visitors.
Here, in central Kolkata the Armenians built the Holy Church of Nazareth in 18th century. It is the oldest surviving Christian church in the city. It standa at 2, Armenian Street, Kolkata-700001.
Kolkata was the capital of British India from 1772 to 1911. And, people from all over India and other countries too came to Calcutta for trying their fortune and many of them settled in the city. Cultural diversities in the city tended to be integrating. You will pass the Muslims, the Marwaris, the Biharis and many more while yor are walking towards Burrabazar from Tiretta Bazar or Bow Barracks.
You may wend your way through central Kolkata yosrlf/yourselves. Calcutta Walks organises Bow Barracks to Burrabazar 3-hour walking tour in the morning. Price Rs. 2,500 per person. Address: Calcutta Walks, 9A Khairu Place, Kolkata 700072 Contact: +91 85840 33244, +91 98301 84030.
Photos courtesy
Dreamstime
The Indian-Chinese Association
Calcutta Walks
LBB
