Hatibagan

An unusual artistic depiction of Goddess Durga at Hatibagan Nabin Palli Sarbojanin

Hatibagan is a neighbourhood in north Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).

Overview

The area is under Shyampukur[1] and Burtolla police stations. It is next to Shyambazar. The place is popular for its shops, markets, cinema halls and old theatres. No other places in Kolkata cover as many cinema & theatre halls as Hatibagan. One of the most popular and famous cinema halls here is the Star Theatre, with many people in north Kolkata choosing to watch films there instead of multiplexes because of its low ticket prices. Hatibagan is one of the oldest traditional markets in Kolkata city, 97 years old in 2009. One can buy typical Bengal silk and cotton saris here. Two major roads those cross through Hatibagan are Bidhan Sarani & Aurobinda Sarani (formerly Grey Street). Hatibagan-Shyambazar broadly cover Ward Nos. 11 and 12 of Kolkata Municipal Corporation.[2]

The Japanese had dropped a bomb at Hatibagan market during World War II but it did not explode.[3] The major portion of the market was gutted in a fire on 22 March 2012.[4]

Etymology

There are two main views on the etymology of the name Hatibagan. Hati means elephant, bagan means garden. According to one view, the elephants of the Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah were posted here when he attacked Kolkata in 1756. Another view suggests someone with the surname Hati had a villa with garden in this area, leading to the name. The villa was bought by Mehtab Chand Mullick who initiated the market.[4]

Economy

Daily markets

Hatibagan market, along with Maniktala, Sealdah, Lake Market and Gariahat markets, is amongst the largest markets in Kolkata. The larger markets of Kolkata have two sectors – inner and outer. The inner market is the official or core market in a planned building and the outer is a makeshift arrangement of pavement stalls.[5]Hatibagan Market at 82, Bidhan Sarani is a private market spread across 1 acre. Vegetables, fruits, betel leaf, fish, meat, egg, spices etc. are available.[6]It is a hustle-bustle area spread beyond the market arena onto the footpaths. "From fashionable wears to home decors and goods, you will get each and everything that you need."[7]Earlier, Hatibagan had a pet market, which has been shifted to Galiff Street.[8]A fire had gutted Hatibagan Market in 2012. The market houses more than 1,500 shops in two buildings.[9][10]


References

  1. ↑ "Shyapukur Police Station". Kolkata Police. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
  2. ↑ Map no. 7, Detail Maps of 141 Wards of Kolkata, D.R.Publication and Sales Concern, 66 College Street, Kolkata – 700073
  3. ↑ "Hatibagan Market: Too strong for WW II, too weak for fire". Bengal. The Statesman, 17 May 2002. Archived from the original on 2007-09-26. Retrieved 2007-08-16.
  4. 1 2 "দশ ঘণ্টার যুদ্ধে হেরে নিঃস্ব হাতিবাগান" [Hatibagan loses in ten-hours long fight]. Anandabazar Patrika (in Bengali). 23 March 2012. Archived from the original on 23 March 2012. Retrieved 23 March 2012.
  5. ↑ Bandopadhyay, Raghab, Calcutta’s Markets, in Calcutta, The Living City Vol II, Edited by Sukanta Chaudhuri, Page 118, First published 1990, 2005 edition, ISBN 019 563697
  6. ↑ "Primary Hats/ Markets of District". Markets in Brief - Kolkata. West Bengal State Marketing Board. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  7. ↑ "Hatibagan Market". yatra. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  8. ↑ "Galiff Street Pet Market". 121 clicks. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  9. ↑ "Hatibagan Gutted in Fire-cursed City". The Times of India, 23 March 2012. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  10. ↑ "Hatibagan market fire". The Telegraph, 14 August 2015. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
External video
Shopping at Haibagan market

Kolkata/North Kolkata travel guide from Wikivoyage

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