Kolkata Tourism Archives: The Banyan Beckons
Research & Script: ARUNIMA GANGULI
Shot, narrated & directed by: ABHISHEK GANGULI
A CINEMA FOR A CAUSE initiative of LEARNING SYSTEM
In association with: The Creative Post
(Reading Time: 4 min Approx)
A tree that stood the test of time from the Mughal era, through the British times and is standing tall and strong in the modern Free India, is in itself no less great than the city with a similar history near which it is located. This is the story of the 350+ years old Banyan tree at Bhojerhat, near Kolkata (previously called Calcutta).
An hour’s drive from the Science City on the Basanti Highway, towards Bashirhaat, stands this giant tree in the middle of an unknown village, unexplored by the Urban Tourism industry of India. With a natural umbrella of a leafy shade overlooking the Kali Temple (also called “Kali Tola” for the same reason), has the myth that if you wish & pray, with a vegetarian diet for a considerable number of days, it shall come true. This very reason has attracted many devotees throughout the year and especially during the Kali Puja for ages. In the month of “Kartik” of the Hindu Calendar, a village mela happens here every year.
Another versatility that this great banyan enjoys is its picturesque presence in the movies from both Bengali & Hindi Film industries. Quite a few shots of the film “Pari” of Anushka Sharma fame were shot here.
Rustic, yet with strong religious significance, with an age-old Temple, the branches of the Tree look like an amazing sculpture – carved effortlessly by mother Nature. The Sunlight filters through the Banyan Leaves as you walk under the Great Banyan, enjoying the shelter – serene and peaceful.
Kolkata, as we know it today, holds many such jewels with interesting present & past to visit to. If you are looking forward to trying out a new place in and around Kolkata, try the Kalitola Banyan Tree next time at Bhojerhat. A mesmerizing experience awaits you there.
