Kushtia, Bangladesh

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Kushtia, Bangladesh

Region: Kushtia district


Geographic Coordinates: 23.910100, 89.123100
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 418312
Language: Bengali

Kushtia is a district located in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, Within the Khulna division. The district spans across 1, 635 square kilometers and has a population of over 1.7 million people. The area is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, With various attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. One such attraction is the Lalon Shah Mazaar, Which honors Lalon Shah – a famous mystic poet and songwriter who lived during the 19th century. Thousands of visitors come to pay homage to this revered figure every year.

Another popular destination is Shilaidaha Kuthibari – once home to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and now converted into a museum showcasing his life and work. Kushtia also boasts several natural attractions like Padma River and Bheramara Lake – perfect for boating, Fishing, Or other water-based activities. The district hosts several educational institutions such as Islamic University – one of Bangladesh’s largest universities offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields. Agriculture plays an essential role in Kushtia’s economy with rice being one of its major crops alongside jute, Wheat, Sugarcane among others.

The healthcare services have also significantly improved with multiple hospitals providing quality medical care to residents within and outside the district. All these factors make Kushtia an ideal destination for travelers seeking unique experiences within Bangladesh – combining rich culture, Historical significance, Natural beauty, And modern amenities.



Important Landmarks

  1. Lalon Shah Shrine is a famous tourist attraction in Kushtia, known for its connection to mystic poet and philosopher Lalon Shah.
  2. Rabindra Kuthi, the ancestral home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, has been transformed into a museum for visitors to explore.
  3. Bheramara Bridge is an important historical landmark that connects Kushtia with Jhenaidah district and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  4. Shilaidaha Kuthibari was once the residence of another famous Bengali poet and Nobel laureate, Michael Madhusudan Dutt.
  5. Mir Mosharraf Hossain Memorial Museum pays tribute to prominent Bengali novelist and playwright Mir Mosharraf Hossain.
  6. Islamic University Bangladesh boasts impressive architecture and beautiful campus grounds, attracting many visitors each year.
  7. Jhaudia Sultan Palace is an ancient palace located in Kumarkhali Upazila that dates back to the 18th century.
  8. Nil Komol Restaurant & Resort offers traditional Bangladeshi cuisine in a stunning natural setting popular among tourists visiting the area.

Primary Industries

  1. Agriculture: Kushtia is known for its agricultural production of crops such as rice, jute, wheat, sugarcane, and vegetables.
  2. Textile: There are several textile mills and factories in Kushtia that produce garments and textiles.
  3. Handicrafts: The region is known for its handicrafts such as pottery, weaving, bamboo crafts, and embroidery.
  4. Education: Kushtia has several universities and educational institutions that attract students from all over the country.
  5. Healthcare: There are hospitals and healthcare facilities in the city that serve the local population as well as neighboring regions.
  6. Retail: There are numerous retail shops selling a variety of products ranging from groceries to electronics.
  7. Service industry: The service industry includes banks, insurance companies, hotels, restaurants among others which contribute to the economy of Kushtia.

Noteable History

  1. Lalon Shah: The famous mystic poet and philosopher Lalon Shah was born in Kushtia. He is considered one of the greatest spiritual leaders in Bengali history.
  2. Kazi Nazrul Islam: The national poet of Bangladesh, Kazi Nazrul Islam lived in Kushtia for some time during his early life.
  3. Rabindranath Tagore: The Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore visited Kushtia several times and composed many songs here.
  4. Mukunda Das: Mukunda Das was a famous Bengali folk singer who was born and raised in Kushtia.
  5. Fakir Lalon Shai Mela: Every year, a grand fair is held at Lalon Akhra in Cheuria village to celebrate the life and teachings of Lalon Shah.
  6. Battle of Plassey: The Battle of Plassey, which marked the beginning of British rule in India, took place near Kushtia on June 23, 1757.
  7. Bagha Mosque: This ancient mosque built during the Sultanate period is located near Kushtia town and is considered one of the finest examples of Bengal architecture.
  8. Jagannath Temple at Puthia: This temple complex located near Puthia village has several temples built during the reigns of different kings from 16th to 19th century AD.
  9. Kusthian Music College: It’s one most oldest music college established by Ustad Alauddin Khan, father Of Ali Akbar Khan & Annapurna Devi.
  10. Kusthian Language Movement: During Pakistan era, there were strong language movements where local people fought for their mother tongue.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Lalon Shah Shrine is a mausoleum that pays homage to Lalon Shah, a well-known mystic and folk singer from Bengal.
  2. Kuthibari is the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel laureate poet and writer.
  3. Shilaidaha Kuthibari is another historic mansion that was once owned by the Tagore family and now serves as a museum.
  4. Jhaudia Shahi Mosque is an impressive 15th-century mosque adorned with unique terracotta decorations.
  5. The Islamic University Museum showcases the rich history and culture of Islam in Bangladesh.
  6. Kushtia Collectorate Building is an imposing colonial-era structure that currently functions as the district administrative center.
  7. The Bheramara Bridge Monument honors those who fought for Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 as a war memorial.
  8. The Rakhain Temple Complex features ancient Hindu temples with intricate carvings and sculptures dating back centuries ago.
  9. A Padma River Cruise offers breathtaking views of rural Bangladesh while navigating along one of South Asia’s largest rivers—the Padma River—on a scenic boat ride.
  10. The Kushtia Public Library, established over 100 years ago by Rabindranath Tagore himself, remains open to visitors today for exploration into its vast collection of books and literature.



Cultural Events

  1. Lalon Mela is a three-day festival that celebrates the life and teachings of the famous Bengali mystic and poet, Lalon Shah.
  2. Kushtia Book Fair is an annual event where publishers, authors, and book lovers gather to showcase their work and exchange ideas.
  3. Poush Mela is a winter fair held in December that features traditional food, crafts, music, dance performances, and cultural activities.
  4. Kushtia Music Conference is a four-day event held in January that brings together musicians from all over Bangladesh to perform classical music.
  5. Baishakhi Mela is a spring festival held in April that celebrates the Bengali New Year with colorful parades, traditional food stalls, and cultural performances.
  6. Eid-ul-Fitr is the biggest Muslim festival celebrated after Ramadan with prayers followed by feasting with family and friends.
  7. Durga Puja is a Hindu religious festival celebrated every year during September-October which is marked by grand processions of beautifully decorated idols of Goddess Durga accompanied by music bands through the streets of Kushtia town.
  8. Independence Day is celebrated on 26th March every year commemorating Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan in 1971 with parades showcasing nationalistic fervor through patriotic songs & dances performed by school children & local artists alike.

Cuisine

  • Kushtia Biriyani: This is a famous dish in the region made with fragrant rice, tender meat, and aromatic spices.
  • Shilaidaha Fish Restaurant: This restaurant is known for its fresh fish dishes cooked in traditional Bengali style.
  • Rupsha Restaurant: This restaurant serves a variety of local dishes including biriyani, kebab, and curry.
  • Ambala Sweets & Bakery: It is a popular bakery that offers delicious sweets like rasgulla, sandesh, and mishti doi.
  • Hotel Al-Amin: It is a famous hotel that serves traditional Bengali food such as dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), fish curry, and vegetable dishes.
  • Nanking Chinese Restaurant: As the name suggests this restaurant offers Chinese cuisine with a Bengali twist.
  • Sagarika Sweetmeat & Bakery: They specialize in making different types of sweetmeats like gulab jamun and roshogolla which are very popular among locals as well as tourists visiting Kushtia.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Rabindra Kuthibari: A cultural center and park dedicated to the famous Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore.
    2. Barendra Park: A popular public park with a playground, walking trails, and picnic areas.
    3. Jhaudia Eidgah Maidan: A large open field used for community events and sports.
    4. Kushtia Stadium: A sports complex with a cricket ground, football field, and swimming pool.
    5. Shilaidaha Palace Museum: A historical site that was once the residence of Tagore’s family.
    6. Padma River Bank: The banks of the Padma River offer scenic views for picnics or boating trips.
    7. Kushtia Public Library: The library has a collection of books on various subjects including literature, history, science, and more for reading enthusiasts.
    8. Islamic University Lake: The lake is located inside Islamic University campus which offers beautiful scenery for nature lovers to enjoy walking around or boating on the lake.

    Note- Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions it’s advisable to check before visiting any place mentioned above if they are currently open or not.


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