Way back in the 18th century, Murshidabad was the capital of Nawabs of Bengal and an important trading centre dealing in muslin, silk, ivory, and other material. It was at this time that a few Jain families from Rajasthan (mostly Oswal Jains) settled here as traders and bankers. Although the families shifted base when the trading hub shifted to Kolkata with the ascendancy of the British, the legacy that these families had built through palatial homes and gardens, still survives. Located just four hours from Kolkata, Bari Kothi is one such heritage property situated by the River Ganges. The award-winning property is hosting an exhibition that will showcase the rich heritage of Murshidabad, and Bengal.
Bari Kothi's Handicraft and Textile exhibit will showcase the best of culture and crafts of Murshidabad and Bengal through displays, interactive sessions, and workshops. You can sign up for sessions on textiles, pottery, folk art forms like patachitra, sholapith, and more. The Artisan Speak sessions will be all about stories focusing on heritage crafts and new designs. At the handicraft and textile haat, you will be able to shop for souvenirs and things to add to your wardrobe and home.
Among other things, Bari Kothi's Handicraft and Textile exhibit will highlight the high quality of silks and muslins that Murshidabad has long been known for. Because textiles are essential in Murshidabad's history, they also organise tours focusing on that. For instance, a visit to Tantipara (weaver's hamlet) and Islampore (important region for sericulture).
A good reason to experience the event is that you will be able to sample the unique Sheherwali cuisine here. It is essentially Rajasthani Jain food influenced by locally available ingredients. The Sheherwali cuisine borrowed liberally from its surrounding cultures like Nawabi, Bengali and European. Another highlight will be the 5-course high tea with a selection of the finest teas, and traditional Sheherwali nibbles.
Moreover, the 5-course grand Sheherwali meal that they serve is made with locally sourced ingredients. There are farms and gardens on the property where different seasonal fruits, vegetables are grown for the kitchen. Going completely local helps to reduce food miles and carbon footprints. Guests cam also visit the farms and pick vegetables.
Bari Kothi was restored with help from Canadian restoration specialist and architect, Dr Samar Chandra. Functioning on the principles of UN Sustainable development Goals and Adaptive Reuse, Bari Kothi is completely taken care of by the rural community of Azimganj. The aim to turn the hotel into a self-sustaining ecosystem where even if the main people are unplugged from the system, the ecosystem keeps running. Read more about their responsible tourism initiatives here.
Bari Kothi has 15 Suites and three dining experiences. The Maharaja Suite exude an aura of the old world charm with high-wood beamed ceilings, antiques, intricately carved archways, and traditional furniture. The magnificent Jain temples and havelis like Nowlakha Kothi, Rajbari, Singhi Kothi, and Marble Palace narrate the opulence and glory of a forgotten era. You can take a boat ride at sunset on the Ganges or go on an organic farm visit. A must-have experience here is the High Tea, which has its own Sheherwali touch to it.
Read more about Bari Kothi here.
When: December 21st to 30th
Hours: 3 pm to 8 pm
The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. If you are coming by train. there are two railway stations here, Azimganj City and Azimganj JN.
