Guptipara

Geography

Guptipara is located at 23°11′N 88°25′E.

Guptipara is a rural town beside the Hooghly River, Upper branch of Behula River (Behula, Betu or Kamardingir Khal are same river) flows beside the southern part of Guptipara and unite with Hooghly River near Sukuria of Somra village (near Sabuj Dweep). According to Rennells map prepared in 1779,Behula river discharged her water in Bhagirathi near Aida village of Guptipara panchayat II.That Bhagirathi path now has been dried up and divide Guptipara in two parts,Panchayat I&II are situated in the western part and Panchayat III (Char Krishna Bati) on the eastern side of Behor (dried Bhagirathi path).Behula River (original name Ganguri) originated from Ulra village near Rasulpur of Burdwan district connect Damodar and Hooghly River. Two huge oxbow lake of Bhagirathi are situated at the northern and southern end of Guptipara,by name Dekol in the north and Dhama on the south.Before 15th or 16th century many parts of Guptipara sunken and were surrounded by lakes and rivers. Reverend Long wrote in ‘Calcutta Review’ 1846, ‘The River (the Bhagirathi) formerly flowed behind Kalna where old Kalna now is, it passed by Pyagachi, the remains of deep and large jils are still to be met with there.’ Old Dekol was connected with Bhagirathi by Mori Ganga channel which cannot clearly be traced out now. Today during flood, Bhagirathi water enters through this Mori Ganga Path through Medhgachhi, Hanspukur, Sahapur, Barasat for her reunion with Dekol. Now population explosion, agricultural aggression, floods, obstruction wall like STKK road and Railway line has changed to make this modern Guptipara landscape. Due to its geographical significance, it is under the Hooghly-Burdwan Rice belt. And the paddy fields of Guptipara produces the finest rice in West Bengal. Guptipara also produce huge quantity of green vegetables, onion and jut. But the main attraction is the "Himsagar Aam" (The most tasty mango on Indian soil). Apart from Malda, mangoes of Guptipara have got some national fame.Handloom sarees, synthetic flowers, clay toy, idol modelling, teracota & statue making, sweet industry are very famous in Guptipara.

History

Guptipara is the home of Bengal's first publicly organized community Durga Puja introducing Sri Bindhabasini Jagaddhatri Puja (Worshipping Devi Durga introduced by Lord Rama) with the club named Bindhyabasini, Nowadays it's also known as Bindhyabasini Mata. In 1760's (Other opinion 1790's) when some men were stopped from taking part in a household Durga Puja by the Sen's (Former Kings of "Banga"). Twelve of them formed a committee and organised a modern club culture a "Barowari Puja" ( where baro means twelve and yaar means friend). There is a difference of opinion about the year of worship – 1761 or 1790.

Guptipara was one of the main places in ancient India where "Sanskrit Toles" and many Pandith lived hear "Pathmahal"one of them place and "Raghu Nath" mondir and Mela was oldest festival,were situated in large numbers, Still someone can find many of the oldest "Punthi"s in the preserved condition in "Sisir Bani Mandir Pathagar" the government library of Guptipara.

According to the book of "Dutta Vanshamala" (1876) (This book is kept preserve by Ministry Of Culture (Gov.Of India)) written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur,when Ratnakar Dutta Chaudhury (elder son of Tekari Dutta Chaudhury,of Shri Purushottam Dutta Family Lineage of Andul) was bathing in the Ganges,had found a jewel(a crystal stone) so bright that he kept it in an iron box after returning home, which later turned into a golden one. His grandmother got surprised as it was "Sarpsha-mani"(Philosopher's stone) and knew the intrinsic value of this stone,she renamed that stone as "Dev Dutta Mani" and she carefully hid the box. Later, due to the mystic influence of the "Sparsha-mani", Ratnakar was able to acquire great riches.Soon enough the news about the power of Ratnakar’s stone reached the ears of then ruler of Gaur City (Maldah).Subsequently, the Emperor got the news, and sent messengers to Ratnakar with an order to come to his court with the jewel. Ratnakar had no choice but to set upon a journey by boat from Andul, with the stone. By the time the boat reached Guptipara,Ratnakar felt that the "Sarpsha-mani" considered as a divine gift to him is not to be handed over to anyone else. So he jumped into the Hooghly river with the stone, and thus saved himself from incurring the wrath of the Emperor, as well as avoiding the sin of passing on a divine jewel to someone else.Ratnakar drowned, and could not be saved by the attendants accompanying him.

Guptipara is birth – place of legendary folk singer Bhola Moira, and the birthplace of the great Commander in Chief of King Siraj ud-Daulah, Mohanlal.

The temple complex at Guptipara houses four great Vaishnava Temples, namely Chaitanya, Brindabanchandra, Ramchandra and Krishnachandra. Out of which Ramchandra Temples contain some fantastic terracotta works. All the structures bear characteristics of the Bengal school of architecture, with carvings depicting scenes from the epics and Puranas.

Guptipara was a citadel of Vaishnavite culture. Even today, residents observe Ras, Dol and Ratha-Yatra with great enthusiasm. Ratha-Yatra is Guptipara’s greatest festival. The Guptipara ratha, one of the tallest and one of the oldest in West Bengal (started in the time of Raja Krishnachandra), is said to cover the second longest distance in India (only next to Puri). On the day before the Ultorath (The return of Lord Bridabanchandra to home) a festival known as "Bhandarloot" is observed in Guptipara. Many peoples across the eastern India comes here to pull the ropes of the ratha.

Guptipara is the home of the first branded Bengali sweet "Gupo sandesh", a special kind of sweet meal.

Demographics

As per 2011 Census of India Guptipara had a total population of 2,169 of which 1,090 (50%) were males and 1,079 (50%) were females. Population below 6 years was 192. The total number of literates in Guptipara was 1,659 (83.92% of the population over 6 years).The total number of literates in Guptipara was 1,659 (83.92% of the population over 6 years).

Transport

The place can be reached from Kolkata or Howrah on Sub-urban Train service. Howrah–Katwa, Bandel–Katwa local trains stop at Guptipara Railway station. Train service is also available from Sealdah, though less frequent in number. Guptipara is 75 km from Howrah & 35 km from Bandel on the Bandel–Katwa Branch Line.

Guptipara is also connected with roadways including Assam (S.T.K.K.) Road.

Buses are available from Chinsurah (Kanla-Chinsurah 8 No.), Kalna (Kanla–Chinsurah 8 No.), Burdwan (Guptipara–Burdwan) and Tarakeswar (Guptipara–Tarakeswar). Ferry service to Guptipara is available from Shantipur and Tarapur. Autorikshow service available from Jirat (Jirat–Guptipara) and from Kalna (Kalna–Guptipara).

Sports

Sports is one of the basic needs of the people of Guptipara. Here you will get two clubs which are 120 years older. One is Guptipara Football Club and another is Aida Milani Sangha. And also there is a rival club of these clubs Guptipara Cricket Association.

GFC, GCA and Aida Milani Sangha arranges every year many big tournaments. Among which GCA's Guptipara Premier League in Cricket got some fame and came into spotlight of Bengal Media. Also Sunshine Guptipara is doing a great job while running the biggest football tournament of Guptipara.

Administration

For its large area, Guptipara is divided into three administrative parts i.e. there are three gram panchayats in Guptipara. Guptipara -I covers the area like Guptipara Station Road, Satgachia, Bandhagachi, Pathmahal, Mirdanga, Tengripara, Saradanagar villages. Guptipara -II covers the largest area with Manasatala, Pathakpukur, Beldanga, Kumorpara, Chutorpara, Baburdanga, Aryanagar, Rathsadak, Jamtala, Behula, Ghoshpara, Sondolpur, Rampur, Aida, Baire and many small villages. Guptipara -III covers Fultala, Char-Krishnabati, Benali, Shaktipur etc. Villages.

Guptipara is under The Hooghly Lok Sabha and Balagarh Vidhan Sabha.

Current Heads of Administration in Guptipara:-

Education

Guptipara has always been into spotlight in terms of education as in the older days there were many Sanskrit Tols in Guptipara.

Higher Secondary schools

1. Guptipara High School. (Estd. 1889, Near Guptipara police outpost, Bhattacharya Para. Co-Ed)
2. Guptipara Girls High School (Est. 1950, Manasatala)

Secondary schools

1. Satyabrata Balika Vidyalaya
2. Char Krishnabati High School (Co-Ed)
3. Satgachia High School (Co-Ed)
4. Gonsaidanga High School (Co-Ed)
5. Natagarh High School (Co-Ed)
6. Sultanpur Pranabananda High School
7. Pathmahal Nitya Pranabananda Girls High School

Colleges

1. Saroj Mohon Institute of Technology (Diploma, Tengripara)
2. Saroj Mohon Institute of Technology (B. Tech, Bandhagachi)

Festivals & culture

Guptipara has always been an interesting place for Bengali & Indian culture, There are several reasons for which The Guptiparans can celebrate. Ratha Yatra, Jagadhatri Puja, Durga Puja, Dol Yatra, Jhapan, Kali Puja & many local festivals including Guptipara Rathayatra.

Ratha-Yatra

Ratha Yatra is the main attraction of Guptipara. The Guptipara Rath covers the second largest distance in India (Only after Puri Rath). Approximately 2 km. It starts from the temple complex in Lord Brindaban Chandra Temple to Gopal Temple at Burrabazar, Guptipara. Guptripara Rath is one of the largest in size also. Approx. 1 million peoples gathers here to celebrate The Ratha Yatra Here.

Jagaddhatri Puja

There are several Barowari Committees and houses who organizes Jagadhatri Puja here. But The main attraction is the fire cracker competition and procession on the last evening of the Puja. All committees gathers in Rath Sadak Maidan with their idol and crackers. Lakhs of peoples from Guptipara and nearby gathers here to celebrate the moment. It is an awesome experience to have a view of the festival. And last but not the least The Bindhyabasini puja is one of the major attractions here. One of the oldest and most prestigious puja is organized in "Das Bari".

Durga Puja

Like the other areas of Bengal Guptipara also hosts a lots of Durga Puja. Puja from the Sen's house is one of the oldest in Bengal. And the famous clubs who organizes Durga Puja are United Club, Saradanagar New Young Star, Bandhagachi Barowari, Azad hind Club, SMIT, Jagarani Sangha, Durga Mandir, Nirbhik Sangha, Daspara Barowari, Bhumijpara Barowari, Swaralipi Club, Evergreen, Aryanagar Barowari and Sasthitala Barowari organizes big pujas and cultural programs here. And at least 100s small and big pujas been organized here.

Kali Puja

The main attractions are Desh Kali Puja & Mashal Kali Puja (Deceits Kali). In this time again the peoples of Guptipara enjoy the festive mood. In the procession of Mashal Kali Puja, 108 flares used. There is now a cultural program going in Guptipara high school for its 125th birthday.