Lal Dighi Kolkata

Kolkata the former colonial city of power and wealth in the British Empire has its colonial heritage and legacy still intact. This rich legacy can be seen through its architectural gems of buildings, palaces and even in its street names! One place where this legacy can be found concentrated is at Dalhousie Square or B.B.D Bag around Lal Dighi, Kolkata.

The area surrounding Lal Dighi, Kolkata became a stronghold of administration and commerce during colonial times and is still keeping the same function. Some important Raj era buildings surrounding are –

  -  The Writers Building or the State Secretariat , the office of the Chief Minister of West-Bengal
  -  Raj Bhavan , the official residence of the Governor of West-Bengal
  -  Standard Life Insurance Building
  -  Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Corporation (HSBC) head office building
  -  Royal Insurance Building
  -  The General Post Office
  -  Eastern Railways headquarters
  -  St.Andrew’s Church
  -  St.John’s Church
  -  Royal Exchange
  -  Old Mission Church
  -  Post and Telegraph Office
  -  The Currency Building and numerous other heritage buildings

Lal Dighi or red lake has been the heart of this area for a long time. In reality it is a pond and not a lake fed by natural springs. It was known as the Great tank by the British. But the history of Lal Dighi, Kolkata is very controversial since there is no factual information about how or who created the tank. Numerous opinions can be found about its name of origin like the reflection of the red bastion of the old Fort William fell on the tank and hence the name Lal Dighi. Another is about a person named Sabarna Chowdhury who worshipped the god Shyam Roy as their family god and had a temple there. During the Dol jatra festival, an effigy of the god was taken in a colorful procession when 'avir' or colored red powder was showered which turned the waters of the tank crimson. Some people believe that the British dug Lal Dighi, Kolkata between 1700-1701. Stroll, sit or read a book on the Victorian chairs at Lal Dighi on a lazy afternoon and see the busy city go by around you.