Chakdaha

History

Chakdaha is a prominent urban local body in the district of Nadia – Nadia being one of the southern districts of West Bengal. Located on the banks of Bhagirathi River, Chakdaha derived its name from its mythological past. According to one of these stories, when river Bhagirathi was taking Ganga along this path, the wheel of his chariot got stuck in the sand, and from then onwards, that place became known as 'Chakradaha' or 'Chakdaha'.In 1885 it is a village with population of 5000 people. In 1886 it was declared as municipality on May Day by British Architectural Engineer - John Beglar.

Rulers

Geography

Chakdaha is located at 23.08°N 88.52°E / 23.08; 88.52. It has an average elevation of 11 metres (36 feet). 62 km north of state capital [Kolkata], It is on National Highway 34.

Demographics

In the 2011 census, Chakdaha Urban Agglomeration had a population of 132,855, out of which 67,135 65 were males and 65,720 were females. The 0–5 years population was 9,829. Effective literacy rate for the 7+ population was 90.95 per cent.

Economy

Singher Hat is the second largest vegetables market in this state. Both Wholesale and Retail business have developed here. The Economy of Chakdaha and its surrounding region is mostly based on agriculture and Clothes Market. Chakdaha today is totally service sector oriented economy along with business as an unorganized informal sector. People living in this region work in the neighbouring areas and in Kolkata. Industries are almost nonexistent except a few small-scale industries mainly plastic factories.

IT infrastructure is getting popularised lately.

Festivals

Durga-puja, like in all other Bengali communities, is the largest and most colourful festival and is celebrated throughout the town.Other festivals like Jagadhhatri Puja,Holi, Rath-yatra etc. are also popular.

Entertainment and sports

Cultural programmes are mostly held in the Sampriti Manch and Chakdaha Pouro Mukto Mancha Each winter one large cultural program(better known as Melas) takes place in Chakdaha. There is a 'Mukta Mancha'(Open Air Stage) as known as Chakdaha Pouro Mukto Mancha. from 2014 'Chakdaha Book Fair' is started as an inspiration of 'Kolkata Book Fair'. Flower Exhibition is one of the popular event in this town

Cricket and football are the most popular sports.

Transportation

The city is well connected to the Sealdah railway station through the Sealdah-Ranaghat Line. Local and passenger trains are available Shortly. Distance between Kolkata to Chakdaha is 62 km by Rails. From Chakdaha railway station, trains travel both north and south. Local trains are available to: Ranaghat, Krishnagar, Shantipur, Gede, and Sealdah. A handful of passenger trains between Lalgola and Sealdah also stop at chakdaha.

Distance between Kolkata to Chakdaha is 69 km by Road. Chakdah has an important & busy Bus Stand which is mainly connected with Chakda-Bongaon road and NH-34, It has bus connectivity mainly with Bangaon.and It is also connecting with Barasat, Ranaghat, Tehatta, Aishmali, Nimtala and other parts of Nadia and 24 pgs(N) district. CSTC, SBST buses plying from Kolkata going to North Bengal also has a stop at Chakdah on NH-34. Buses ply to Krishnanagar, Hanskhali, Palassey, Bethua, baharampur and other parts of State. Some long-distance night buses to north Bengal are also available. People in general, though prefer trains because of ready availability and more convenience.

The Town has few Auto rickshaw and private cars stand which is connected to Bishnupur, Kalyani, Payradanga and other parts of surrounding area. Man power van rickshaw and body rickshaw are available here, Newly introduced 'ToTo' car, a type of battery powered small e-rickshaw is gaining popularity in various routes of Chakdah.

Nearest airport from the town being the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport at Dum Dum, 58 km from the town.Horror

It is a town which is also known for creepy incidents.Ghosts and spirits are reported to be in this town.Some of the ghostly places are: Chakdaha Station, Netaji Park, Bose Bari at Lalpur. Apart from these, few more places are considered to be haunted at 'Jashra', the oldest part of the town.