Hābra, India
Region: Haryana
Geographic Coordinates: 22.830000, 88.630000
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 35.0°C (77°F to 95°F)
Climate: Climate and weather patterns in Hābra, India vary throughout the year.
Population: 147221
Language: Hindi
Hābra is a small town situated in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India. The town is located on the banks of the Ichamati River and is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. Over the years, Hābra has been home to various communities, Including Bengalis, Biharis, Marwaris, And Muslims. One of Hābra’s most notable landmarks is the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama. Swami Akhandananda established this ashrama in 1922 as a center for spiritual education and social welfare activities like medical camps, Schools for underprivileged children, And vocational training programs.
Another significant attraction in Hābra is the Kali Temple located at Kalibari Road. This temple was constructed during British rule in India and attracts devotees from all over West Bengal during festivals like Durga Puja and Kali Puja. Hābra also boasts several natural attractions such as Ganga Sagar Lake that offers boating facilities to tourists while providing stunning views of nature’s beauty. Visitors can also explore nearby places like Bongaon Bird Sanctuary which houses several species of migratory birds that flock to this sanctuary every year.
The town has an efficient transportation system with buses plying regularly from Kolkata to Hābra via National Highway 12A. It takes approximately two hours to reach Hābra from Kolkata by road. The local cuisine of Hābra includes traditional Bengali dishes like fish curry with rice or luchi (deep-fried bread), Cholar dal (Bengal gram lentils), Alu posto (potato cooked with poppy seeds), Among others. Overall, Hābra offers an excellent blend of spirituality, Culture, History along with natural beauty making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking a peaceful getaway from city life while experiencing the essence of rural India.’
- Jorasanko Thakur Bari: This is the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore and has been converted into a museum.
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple: It is one of the most popular Hindu temples in Kolkata dedicated to Goddess Kali.
- Victoria Memorial: It is a magnificent white marble building built during British rule in memory of Queen Victoria.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral: It is an Anglican cathedral built-in 1847 with Gothic architecture.
- Indian Museum: Established in 1814, it is the oldest and largest multipurpose museum in India.
- Howrah Bridge: A famous landmark and engineering marvel over River Hooghly connecting Kolkata to Howrah district.
- Eden Gardens Stadium: A historic cricket stadium that has hosted many international matches including World Cup finals.
- Birla Mandir: It is a Hindu temple located at Asutosh Chowdhury Avenue dedicated to Lord Krishna.
- The Marble Palace: It was built by Raja Rajendra Mullick Bahadur showcasing European art & antiques mixed with Indian styles.
- Science City: One of its kind science center where visitors can learn about science through interactive exhibits & activities.
- Agriculture
- Textile industry
- Handicrafts
- Small scale industries
- Retail business
- Fishing
- Transportation
The town is primarily an agricultural region with a large number of farms producing crops such as:
- Rice
- Wheat
- Mustard
- Jute
- Vegetables
It also has a thriving textile industry with many small-scale mills producing cotton fabrics. Hābra is known for its handicrafts industry which includes pottery, weaving, embroidery and other traditional crafts. There are many small scale industries in the town that produce goods like candles and soap bars etc.
The town has a number of retail shops selling products ranging from household items to clothing. Being located near the Hoogly river delta region, fishing is also an important occupation for people living in Hābra. Additionally, the town serves as an important transportation hub due to its proximity to Kolkata city and other nearby towns.
- According to historical records, Habra was founded by a group of Brahmins who migrated from Orissa in the 16th century.
- During the British Raj, Habra was part of Jessore district and served as an important center for trade and commerce.
- In 1905, Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal, which resulted in Habra becoming part of East Bengal (now Bangladesh) until India gained independence in 1947.
- Jibanananda Das, a renowned Bengali poet spent his childhood in Habra before moving to Kolkata. He is one of the many notable people associated with this town.
- Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who later became the second Chief Minister of West Bengal after independence also hailed from Habra.
- In recent years, due to its proximity to Kolkata and growing population, Habra has undergone rapid urbanization and development.
- The annual Rath Yatra festival celebrated during June-July every year attracts thousands of devotees who gather to pull Lord Jagannath’s chariot through the streets of the town.
- Habra has also witnessed political violence over time with several incidents reported between different parties within the region leading up till now as well.
- Sabarmati Ashram: This is the famous ashram where Mahatma Gandhi lived for several years and carried out his non-violent movement.
- Calico Museum of Textiles: This museum showcases a wide collection of textiles, including rare pieces from different parts of India.
- Akshardham Temple: This temple is a beautiful architectural marvel that showcases the rich cultural heritage of India.
- Sidi Saiyyed Mosque: This mosque is known for its intricate stone lattice work and is considered one of the most important monuments in Ahmedabad.
- Kite Museum: The Kite Museum houses an extensive collection of kites from around the world, including traditional Indian kites and modern designs.
- Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum: This museum has a vast collection of Indian art, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles.
- Adalaj Stepwell: The Adalaj Stepwell is an ancient stepwell that was used for water storage and has intricate carvings on its walls.
- Science City Ahmedabad: Science City Ahmedabad is an interactive science museum with exhibits on various scientific phenomena and technologies.
- Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India, built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1424 AD.
- Gujarat Vidyapith Museum : Gujarat Vidyapith Museum showcases artifacts related to Mahatma Gandhi’s life and his philosophy of non-violence and self-reliance.
- Hābra Cricket Club: This team was established in the early 1900s and has been prominent in the region. They have won several local tournaments and produced talented cricketers.
- Hābra Football Club: One of the oldest football clubs in the region, founded in the 1950s. They have won local championships and produced players who went on to higher levels.
- Hābra Basketball Association: Established in the 1980s with a mission to promote basketball among young people. It has become one of West Bengal’s most successful basketball associations.
- Hābra Athletic Club: Founded over a century ago, this club promotes athletics among young people through regular training sessions and events.
- Khejuri Sporting Union: Established over five decades ago with an aim to promote sports activities among young people residing across different communities within Habra city limits as well as nearby villages.
- Durga Puja – A significant Hindu festival celebrated with enthusiasm.
- Saraswati Puja – A celebration of the goddess of knowledge and wisdom.
- Rath Yatra – A chariot festival where Lord Jagannath is taken out on a procession.
- Kali Puja – Celebrated to honor Goddess Kali who is believed to be a destroyer of evil forces.
- Eid-ul-Fitr – Celebrated by Muslims after completing the month-long fast during Ramadan.
- Christmas – Celebrated by Christians with carols, decorations, and feasting.
- Bhai Dooj- A Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
- Holi- The festival of colors which signifies victory over evil forces.
- Bengali Cuisine – Hābra is located in West Bengal and thus offers authentic Bengali cuisine. Some popular dishes include fish curry, chingri malai curry (prawn curry), kosha mangsho (mutton curry), and luchi-alur dom (puri with potato gravy).
- Bhojohori Manna – This restaurant is known for its traditional Bengali food like ilish paturi (steamed hilsa fish), chitol maacher muithya (fish balls), and shorshe ilish (mustard hilsa).
- Aaheli – Another restaurant offering authentic Bengali cuisine with a fine dining experience.
- The Yellow Chilli – A multi-cuisine restaurant serving Indian, Chinese, Continental food.
- Tero Parbon – This restaurant offers traditional home-cooked style Bengali food.
- The Park Pavilion Restaurant – It serves North Indian & Chinese cuisines along with some continental dishes as well.
- KFC – Kentucky Fried Chicken needs no introduction as it serves fast-food items like burgers and fried chicken in Habra city.
- McDonald’s – McDonald’s is another fast-food chain that serves burgers and fries in Habra city.
- Hābra Central Park: This park is a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
- Baisakhi Mela Ground: This is a large open space where various cultural events and festivals are held throughout the year.
- Hābra Stadium: The stadium hosts cricket matches and other sports events.
- Kali Temple Park: This park features a beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, as well as picnic areas and playgrounds.
- Dharmaraj Tala Lake: Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, or simply relaxing by the lake.
- Eco-Park: Located just outside of Hābra, this park offers nature trails, bird watching opportunities, and other outdoor activities.
- Children’s Park: A small park designed specifically for children with swings, slides, and other play equipment.
- Yoga Center: For those interested in fitness activities like yoga or meditation classes are available at several centers around town.
