Hālīsahar, India
Region: West Bengal
Geographic Coordinates: 22.950000, 88.420000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Population: 124939
Language: Bengali
Hālīsahar is a small town located in the state of West Bengal, India. It is situated on the banks of River Hooghly and is known for its rich cultural heritage and history. The town was founded by Raja Nrisinha Deb Roy in the 16th century and has since then been an important center for trade and commerce. One of the major attractions in Hālīsahar is its beautiful temples. The most famous among them is the Siddeshwari Kali Temple, Which dates back to the 18th century.
This temple attracts thousands of devotees every year who come to offer their prayers to Goddess Kali. Another popular temple in Hālīsahar is the Radha Krishna Temple, Which boasts exquisite architecture and intricate carvings. Apart from its religious significance, Hālīsahar also has a strong literary tradition. Many renowned writers such as Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay, And Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay have hailed from this town. As a result, There are several libraries and bookstores that cater to book lovers. The town also has a rich culinary culture with many local delicacies that are unique to this region.
Some popular dishes include fish curry made with Rohu or Katla fish, Mutton Biryani cooked with aromatic spices like saffron and cardamom, Mishti Doi (sweet yogurt), Rasgulla (a soft cheese ball soaked in syrup), Sandesh (a sweet made from milk) among others. Hālīsahar also has a vibrant art scene with several art galleries showcasing works by local artists as well as those from other parts of India. The town hosts an annual art festival called ‘Halishahr Art Mela’ where artists come together to showcase their work.
In recent years, Hālīsahar has also developed into an industrial town with several factories and industries set up in the vicinity. The town is well-connected to other parts of West Bengal through road and rail networks, Making it an important center for trade and commerce. Overall, Hālīsahar is a town that offers a unique blend of history, Culture, And modernity. Its rich heritage, Literary tradition, Culinary delights, Art scene make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to West Bengal.


Primary Industries
- Jute Industry: Hālīsahar is renowned for its jute mills that produce raw jute and various jute products.
- Textile Industry: The town boasts several textile mills that manufacture fabrics, garments, and other textile items.
- Chemical Industry: There are numerous chemical factories in Hālīsahar that produce industrial chemicals such as acids, solvents, dyes, etc.
- Food Processing Industry: The town has a few food processing plants which process agricultural products like rice, wheat, pulses etc.
- Engineering Industry: A few engineering firms in Hālīsahar manufacture machines and equipment for various industries.
- Service Sector: Apart from the above mentioned industries there are several small businesses like shops, restaurants, hotels etc., which cater to the needs of local residents and tourists visiting the area.

Noteable History
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Hālīsahar, located in India, was a significant hub during the Indian independence movement. It was home to many prominent freedom fighters such as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Sarojini Naidu, and Aurobindo Ghosh.
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The town played a vital role in the Bengali Renaissance during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Several renowned literary figures such as Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay had connections to Hālīsahar.
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In 1905, Hālīsahar actively participated in the Swadeshi movement against British colonial rule.
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The establishment of numerous jute mills in Hālīsahar during the early 20th century led to an industrial boom and economic growth for the town.
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Some notable personalities who hail from Hālīsahar are filmmaker Satyajit Ray, singer Hemanta Mukherjee, and politician Mamata Banerjee.
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Recently, Hālīsahar has gained popularity for its vibrant cultural scene with various festivals and events throughout the year celebrating music, dance, art, and literature taking place regularly.

Museums and Things To See
- Kancher Mandir is a famous temple located in the heart of Hālīsahar, dedicated to Lord Krishna.
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Birthplace Museum is a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of one of India’s most celebrated freedom fighters.
- Gopalpur Zoo is a small but well-maintained zoo that houses a variety of animals including tigers, lions, and monkeys.
- Halisahar Riverside Park is a scenic park located on the banks of the Hooghly River, perfect for picnics and evening strolls.
- Bhabanipur Cemetery is an old cemetery that contains graves dating back to the British colonial period.
- Halisahar Railway Station is one of the oldest railway stations in India with an interesting history dating back to 1854.
- Jagannath Temple is another popular temple in Hālīsahar dedicated to Lord Jagannath and his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra.
- Chhota Nataraj Temple features a unique small statue of Lord Shiva dancing on a miniature stage.
- Rani Rashmoni Memorial Hall is a historical monument dedicated to Rani Rashmoni, who was prominent during Bengal’s socio-religious reform movement during the 19th century.
- Nazrul Tirtha Cultural Centre is an art center named after Kazi Nazrul Islam, one of Bengal’s most renowned poets and musicians who was born in nearby Churulia village.


Cultural Events
- Durga Puja – This is a significant festival celebrated across West Bengal and commemorates the victory of goddess Durga over evil forces.
- Diwali – Also known as the festival of lights, Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm and involves lighting lamps and bursting fireworks.
- Kali Puja – This festival celebrates goddess Kali’s triumph over evil forces.
- Poila Boishakh – This marks the Bengali New Year and is observed through cultural programs and feasting.
- Rath Yatra – A chariot procession of Lord Jagannath takes place during this festival.
- Bhai Phonta – Celebrated on the last day of Diwali, this day honors sibling love between brothers and sisters.
- Saraswati Puja- This celebration is dedicated to goddess Saraswati who represents knowledge, music, art & science among others.

Cuisine
- Maa Tara Hotel – This restaurant is known for its delicious Bengali cuisine and is a must-visit for foodies.
- Biryani House – As the name suggests, this restaurant serves some of the best biryanis in town.
- The Spice Garden – This restaurant offers a variety of Indian and Chinese dishes that are sure to tickle your taste buds.
- New Shyamal Restaurant – A popular spot for breakfast, this restaurant serves delicious puri sabzi and other traditional breakfast items.
- Ananda Bhavan – This vegetarian restaurant is known for its South Indian delicacies like dosas and idlis.
- Saffron Restaurant – If you’re looking for fine dining options in Hālīsahar, Saffron is the place to go as they serve a range of Indian and international cuisines.
- KFC – For those who love fast food, KFC is a popular choice in Hālīsahar with their fried chicken meals and burgers.
- McDonald’s – Another fast food chain that has made its way to Hālīsahar is McDonald’s with their burgers, fries, and shakes on offer.
- Aurobindo Park
- City Park
- Kali Temple Park
- Vivekananda Park
- Halisahar Stadium
- Swimming Pool Complex
- Halisahar Golf Club
- Boating at Ganga River
- Cycling at the riverside road
- Children’s park near Halisahar railway station

Parks and Recreation
