Krishnanagar (Bengali: কৃষ্ণনগর Kr̥ṣṇanagar), formerly Krishnagar, is a city in the Nadia district of West Bengal. At the bank of the Jalangi River, Krishnanagar is an important centre for culture and literature.

Understand

Krishnanagar (KRIHSH-noh-naw-gohr) was the residence of Raja Krishnachandra, a great patron of art and culture in Bengal medieval period.

In Ghurni, a neighbourhood of Krishnanagar, there is a colony of artists who work with clay. These artists produce images of Hindu gods and goddesses for traditional worship throughout the year, as well as clay models of human figures and real life objects. Open studios and shops of the artists comprise an important attraction for tourists. Some of the artists have started using fibre glass in place of clay.

Get in

Krishnanagar lies 100 km north of Kolkata on the Sealdah-Lalgola line (2½ hr). Frequent EMU trains and Lalgola passengers along with a few express trains connect it with Sealdah. It is well connected with the neighbouring cities and towns by buses. National Highway No. 34 passes through the Krishnanagar town.

Get around

Cycle rickshaws and e-rickshaws are available for movement within the town.

See

External view of Rajbari

• 1 Ghurni (Ghurni Bus Stand). The Bangalore-based Deccan Herald has written, "“We have clay dolls, toys and even clay sculptures in different parts of India. But there has been nothing to match the clay doll artisans of Krishnanagar in the Nadia district of West Bengal. The creations of these artists are displayed in most of the handicraft museums of the world. In India, we have a large display of these dolls in the Shankar's Dolls Museum in New Delhi. One look at the clay dolls and we are amazed at the reality with which the artist has displayed the character of the model." Exhibitions of Krishnagar dolls have been held in London, Paris and Boston. Doll makers market their products personally to the local people as well as to the outside visitors. Sales are also made through Krishnanagar Mritsilpa Co-operative Society, Nadia District Service cum Marketing Co-operative Industrial Union Ltd., and West Bengal Handicraft Development Corporation Ltd. 
• 2 Krishnanagar Roman Catholic Church (Krishnanagar Cathedral). It stands out for its distinctive architecture. There are 27 oil paintings describing the life of Jesus Christ. There also is a Protestant church in the same compound. 
• 3 Rajbari. The Rajbari has a beautiful Durga temple in the courtyard. Jhulan Mela is celebrated in July-August, Baro Dol is held 12 days after Dol Purnima in March-April. 

Do

Jagaddhatri Puja

Jagaddhatri Puja at Krishnanagar Palace

Krishnangar Is famous for its celebration of Jagaddhātrī Pūjā (জগদ্ধাত্রী পূজা), a festival honouring Jagaddhatri, an aspect of the Hindu goddess Durga. It takes place between October and November, about a month after Durga Puja. As the story goes, Maharaja Krishnachandra of Krishnanagar was arrested by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah once for not paying taxes on time. He was released from prison during Vijayadashami, the final day of Durga Puja, and his state lost the entire festivity. The monarch became extremely sad for this. However, the monarch saw Jagaddhatri in his dream, and he commenced the rituals of Jagaddhatri Puja in his palace.

Buy

• 1 Clay Model of Krishnanagar (Varied and colourful clay items), ☏ +91-9434370961. Leading manufacturer of clay model based in Krishnanagar 
• Ghurni studios. Doll makers market their products personally to tourists. 
• 2 Studio di Scultura (Goutam Pal), Ghurni, ☏ +91 3472-227311-227310-320772. Bronze sculpture installed - 7' 6" standing statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Leicestor, UK; 5' sitting statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Munich; 3' 6" bust of Rabindranath Tagore in Shanghai; 3' bust of Jagadish Chandra Bose in Teheran; 6' statue of Rani Rashmoni in Kolkata (Esplanae); 9' statue of Swami Vivekananda in Dakshineswar and many others. 

Eat

• Swarbhaja and Swarpuriya - two renowned sweet-meat items of Krishnanagar.
• 1 Adhar Chandra Das & Sons (Adhar Mistanna Bhandar), Nadiar Para, ☏ +91 3472 252139, +91 9434057465. Claims to be inventor of Swarbhaja and Swarpuriya. Shop founded in 1902. This shop was famous for the shooting of the movie Sabar Upore, starring Uttamkumar and Suchitra Sen. Many other sweetmeat novelties available. (updated Feb 2017)

Sleep

Mid-range

• 1 Hotel Haveli, NH 34, Bhatjangla, ☏ +91 3472 271756, +91 3472 271757, +91 3472 654743, +91 3472 645186, info@havelihotel.com. Check-out: noon. 

Budget

• Aiswariya, 16 Station Approach Road, ☏ +91 3472 252980. 
• 2 Asian Guest House, 28 Sukanta Sarani, Kanthalpota, ☏ +91 94 74 595859 53166300. 
• Basasree Hotel, Rabindranath Tagore Road, ☏ +91 3472 252408. 
• Ghosh Suitas, NH 34, ☏ +91 9232240250. 
• 3 Hotel Astha Midway, NH 34, Basak Para, Bhatjungla, ☏ +91 3472 271759, +91 7407188882. 
• Krishnanagar Municipal Tourist Lodge (near Sangeeta Cinema Hall), ☏ +91 3472 223512. 
• 4 Mullick Lodge, State Highway 11, ☏ +91 3472254538. 
• Mumpi Hotel & Lodge, Krishnanagar Bus Stand, Lal Mohan Ghosh Road, ☏ +91 9231896739. 
• 5 Sristi Lodge, Biswambar Roy Road, ☏ +91 3472326297. 
• Trinath Lodge, Beledanga Morh, ☏ +91 3472 252545. 

Go next

• Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary
• Nabadwip — an old city, pilgrim and tourist place of West Bengal. It is the birthplace of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the advent of the Vaishnab religion in Bengal. Many scholars, Sadhakas and Tantriks were born here. Nabadwip was referred to as the Oxford of East, Spiritual Capital of the World.
• Mayapur - religious centre

Routes through Krishnanagar

Baharampur ← Palashi ←

N  S

→ Santipur → Ranaghat