MURSHIDABAD Heritage Fest is between January 24 & 26

HISTORIC Murshidabad city is in the festive mood with finishing touches being given to celebrate Heritage Festival between 24th and 26th January with several added attractions. The rose garden in Katgola will be in full bloom with its heady fragrance carrying the senses to seventh heaven.”Murshidabad Heritage Festival 2020″, organized by Murshidabad Heritage Development Society, is expected to be a   memorable event as in the past. The erstwhile Capital of United Bengal, the most prosperous part of Mughal Empire, the last Independent capital of Bengal, Murshidabad is located on the eastern bank of river Bhagirathi. Till the first half of the 18th century, Murshidabad was a place of international importance for trade, business and noblemen. About 315 years ago, Murshid Quli Khan, the Diwan of Bengal under the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, he moved his capital from Dhaka to the fertile place on the banks of Bhagirathi then called ‘Muksudabad’ and renamed it as “Murshidabad” after his first name  Murshid. In 1716, he attained the title of Nawab of the Subah meaning the ruler of the province. It is dotted with several palaces, mosques, temples and royal mansions. Murshidabad is also famed for arts and crafts, jewellery and cuisine as well as gold and silver embroidery and silk weaving industry and several places of historic interest. The festival would take place at the recently restored Katgola Palace in Lalbagh. The ancient city boasts of amazing fusion of Mughal, British and Hindu Architecture. The festival is being celebrated for past 10 years with the main objective of attracting tourists. It is intended to bring back its past glories integrating it with the present with an effort to conserve the fast vanishing skyline. The festival promises to visually and aesthetically provide a splendid experience for the people to feel & sense the beauty and charm of this forgotten capital city. The trip first involves a visit to recently restored Bari Kothi at Azimganj, which showcases the conservation of its built heritage. The program unfolds from the 24th January, includes Tour and Lunch at Cossimbazar Rajbari, followed by sightseeing of Heritage monuments, palaces and museums, visit to Kathgola Palace and Garden, visit to Lalbagh for Folk Artists, Craft Bazar, Hi- Tea, Cultural Program – Chhou Troupe, Raibenshe Troupe, Odissi dance, Fashion Show and Sheherwali Gourmet Cuisine Dinner, later followed by fireworks. The next day shall commence post breakfast with Heritage Walk in Azimganj, Sheherwali Gourmet Cuisine Lunch, Boat Race and Kayaking display, Tour of “Tanti Para” (weavers’ locality), a visit to Jiganj Museum and with once again high tea, closing up with Light and Sound Show along with delectable dinner. The last day of the festival  January will conclude with a visit to Hazarduari Museum as well as providing a sumptuous Sheherwali Cuisine Lunch.The festival aims to attract students, history lovers, heritage enthusiasts, investors, travel & tour agents and also the general tourists.