Hāora, India
Region: West Bengal
Geographic Coordinates: 22.580000, 88.329400
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Monsoon season from June to September, hot and humid summers from March to May, and mild winters from December to February.
Population: 1077075
Language: Bengali
Hāora, Also known as Howrah, Is a bustling city located in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is situated on the west bank of the Hooghly River and is connected to Kolkata by several bridges. The city has a rich history and was once an important center for trade and commerce during the British colonial era. One of the main attractions in Hāora is the Howrah Bridge, Which spans across the Hooghly River and connects Kolkata to Hāora.
This iconic bridge was built in 1943 and is one of the busiest bridges in India, With over 100, 000 vehicles crossing it every day. Visitors can take a stroll along its pedestrian walkway to enjoy stunning views of both cities. Another popular attraction in Hāora is Belur Math, Which serves as headquarters for Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. This temple complex was founded by Swami Vivekananda, A disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The temple’s architecture blends Hindu, Islamic and Christian styles to create a unique structure that reflects India’s diverse religious heritage.
Hāora also has several parks and gardens that offer respite from its hectic urban environment. One such park is Millenium Park which offers breathtaking views of Hooghly riverfront along with various recreational activities like boating etc. The city boasts several educational institutions including engineering colleges like Bengal Engineering College (BEC), Jadavpur University Faculty Council Of Engineering & Technology (JU-FET) etc., Medical colleges like Calcutta National Medical College (CNMC), Institute Of Postgraduate Medical Education And Research(IPGMER) etc., Management institutes such as Indian Institute Of Management(IIMC) etc.
In terms of cuisine, Hāora offers some delicious street food options such as puchkas or golgappas – crispy fried balls filled with spicy potato mixture served with tamarind chutney and mint water. The city is also known for its sweets, Especially the famous rasgulla which originated in nearby Kolkata. Overall, Hāora is a vibrant city that offers visitors a glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage. From its iconic bridge to its beautiful temples and parks, There is something for everyone in this bustling metropolis.
- Howrah Bridge
- Belur Math
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple
- Victoria Memorial
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Indian Museum Kolkata
- Marble Palace
- Birla Planetarium
- Eden Gardens Stadium
- Nicco Park
- Jute Industry: Hāora is known for its jute industry which includes the manufacturing of jute bags, ropes, and other products.
- Textile Industry: The city has a thriving textile industry that produces cotton fabrics, silk sarees, and dress materials.
- Chemical Industry: There are several chemical factories in Hāora that produce chemicals used in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, paints, and dyes.
- Steel Industry: The steel industry is also well-established in the city with several steel plants producing different types of steel products.
- Food Processing Industry: Hāora has a significant food processing industry which includes the production of tea, biscuits, confectionery items, and packaged foods.
- IT Sector: The city has emerged as an IT hub with several software development companies operating here.
- Education Sector: With numerous educational institutions including colleges and universities, the education sector is also a major contributor to the economy of Hāora.
- Retail Business: There are many retail stores selling various consumer goods that cater to the needs of the local population as well as tourists visiting the city.
- Howrah Bridge: The iconic Howrah Bridge, one of the largest cantilever bridges in the world, was built over the Hooghly River in 1943 and connects Kolkata to Howrah.
- Swami Vivekananda: The famous Indian philosopher and spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda was born in Kolkata but spent much of his childhood in Howrah.
- Rani Rashmoni: Rani Rashmoni was a philanthropist and social reformer who lived during British rule in India. She founded several schools and hospitals in Kolkata and Howrah.
- Indian National Congress: The Indian National Congress held its first session outside of Mumbai (then Bombay) in 1890 at Belilious Park in Howrah.
- East India Company: During British colonial rule, the East India Company established a trading post at Sutanuti Ghat near present-day Howrah.
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, an important figure in India’s struggle for independence from British rule, organized anti-British protests and rallies across West Bengal including at various locations within Hāora.
- Ramakrishna Mission: The Ramakrishna Mission is a spiritual organization founded by Swami Vivekananda to propagate Vedanta philosophy around the world; it has several branches across Hāora today.
Overall, Hāora has played an important role throughout history as an economic center for trade with other countries as well as being home to many notable personalities who have contributed significantly towards society’s growth and development over time.
- Victoria Memorial Hall
- Indian Museum
- Birla Industrial & Technological Museum
- Academy of Fine Arts
- Rabindra Sarobar
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Mother’s Wax Museum
- Marble Palace Mansion
- Kalighat Temple
- Science City Kolkata
- Mohun Bagan Athletic Club: Founded in 1889, this football club is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in India. They have won numerous domestic and international titles.
- East Bengal Football Club: Established in 1920, this football club is also one of the oldest and most successful clubs in India. They have won numerous domestic titles.
- Bengal Warriors: This professional Kabaddi team was founded in 2014 and competes in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). They won their first PKL title in 2019.
- Calcutta Customs Club: This cricket club was established in 1913 and has a rich history of producing talented cricketers who have represented India at the international level.
- Howrah Union Football Club: Founded in 1905, this football club has a long history of participating at various levels of Indian football competitions.
- Durga Puja is the most popular festival in Hāora, celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor for 10 days. It celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
- Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is another major festival celebrated in Hāora that marks the triumph of good over evil. It is characterized by lighting diyas (lamps), bursting firecrackers, exchanging sweets, and offering prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Eid-ul-Fitr is a Muslim festival that marks the end of Ramadan – a month-long fasting period for Muslims worldwide. Celebrations include feasting, prayer meetings at mosques, and exchanging gifts among family and friends.
- Christmas festivities are observed by Christians living in Hāora even though it’s not as widely celebrated as other festivals due to its predominantly Hindu population.
- Rath Yatra is a Hindu festival celebrating Lord Jagannath’s journey from his temple to his aunt’s home on a chariot pulled by devotees through various streets of Hāora.
- Saraswati Puja is a Hindu festival honoring Goddess Saraswati – patroness of learning and wisdom – during January-February every year on Vasant Panchami day (the fifth day of spring). Celebrations include prayers at temples or homes followed by feasting.
- Kali Puja honors Goddess Kali – destroyer of evil forces – through prayers at temples or homes followed by offerings made to her image or idol placed on an altar decorated with flowers & lights coinciding with Diwali celebrations around October-November each year; it’s a lesser-known but significant Hindu festival in Hāora.
- Rosogolla: A famous Bengali sweet made of chhena (cottage cheese) and soaked in sugar syrup. Some popular places to try this sweet are K.C. Das, Banchharam’s, and Nalin Chandra Das & Sons.
- Fish curry: Bengalis love their fish curry, which is made with fresh fish cooked in a spicy gravy of onion, tomato, ginger-garlic paste, and spices like cumin powder and coriander powder. Some popular places to try this dish are Bhojohori Manna, Oh! Calcutta!, and 6 Ballygunge Place.
- Kathi rolls: A street food favorite in Kolkata that consists of a paratha stuffed with meat or vegetables and rolled up like a wrap. Some popular places to try this dish are Kusum Rolls, Bedouin – The Shawarma House, and Nizam’s.
- Mishti Doi: Another Bengali dessert that is made by fermenting sweetened milk overnight in earthen pots to give it a unique flavor. Some popular places to try this dessert are Bhim Nag Sweets & Confectioners Pvt Ltd., Girish Chandra Dey & Nakur Chandra Nandy Sweets Pvt Ltd., and Ganguram Sweets.
- Arslan Restaurant: This restaurant is known for its biryani which is cooked with fragrant rice mixed with spices along with tender pieces of meat or vegetables.
- Oudh 1590: This restaurant serves Awadhi cuisine including dishes like Galouti Kebab, Biryani, etc.
- Kewpies Kitchen: It serves traditional Bengali cuisine including dishes like Shukto, Fish Curry, etc.
- Rabindra Sarobar: A popular park with a lake, walking trails, and boating facilities.
- Millennium Park: A waterfront park with gardens, fountains, and a musical fountain show.
- Nicco Park: An amusement park with rides, water slides, and a food court.
- Eco Park: A sprawling green space with gardens, ponds, and a butterfly garden.
- Nalban Boating Complex: A boating facility on the Salt Lake that offers paddle boats and rowing boats.
- Alipore Zoological Gardens: A zoo that houses various animals such as tigers, lions, etc.
- Victoria Memorial Hall: It is an iconic monument made during British Era which has beautiful gardens surrounding it.
- Birla Industrial & Technological Museum: It is an interactive museum which showcases the Science & Technology advancements made by India.
