A Peek Into Bengali Culture and Trends Outside West Bengal at Chittaranjan Park, Delhi

Are you interested in West Bengal? Want to know more about Bengali culture? Well, it is not important for you to visit West Bengal as the affluent neighbourhood of Chittaranjan Park in South Delhi is perfect for people who wish to know about the same. 

Home to a large Bengali community, Chittaranjan Park was established in the 1960s, just a few years after the independence of India for the people who were displaced from the then East Pakistan and present Bangladesh. The place was initially called the EPDP Colony also known as the East Pakistan Displaced Persons Colony; however, it was later named Chittaranjan Park  in the 1980s after the Indian leader and patriot Chittaranjan Das. 

Filled with street food stalls that replicate markets of Kolkata, Bengali restaurants, temples, cultural centres and the most famous fish market, this place gives people the feel of Bengal in Delhi. The majority of the shop owners and people residing in Chittaranjan Park Delhi speak fluent Bangla highlighting the place even more as a true representation of Bengali culture. 

This is a blog which will tell you all about Chittaranjan Park and how this place has now turned into one of the most prosperous and outstanding neighbourhoods of South Delhi. 

Chittaranjan Park: A Neighborhood in the Heart of South Delhi

Apart from being the perfect representation of Bengali culture and Bangla people, this neighbourhood is also located in the centre of South Delhi connected to the rest of the city with an outstanding metro network. 

People can easily find different malls, multiplexes, shopping centres and even restaurants close to this neighbourhood as it is highly close to another opulent neighbourhood of Delhi - Nehru Place. Since the place is so close to West Bengal, outside Bengal, majority of Bengali people shifting to Delhi often look for homes inside or near to Chittaranjan Park which is also known as CR Park Delhi. 

The place makes them feel close to their own native culture as the festivals celebrated here and the food available here give them a feel of what they can find in West Bengal. The Durga Puja celebration in Chittaranjan Park is probably the most famous Durga Puja in Delhi attracting people from all corners of the city. 

Chittaranjan Park - Representing Bengal and Bengali Culture 

Whether it is the Kali Mandir or the authentic fish market, Chittaranjan Park has always been close to the hearts of Bengalis living in Delhi and there are many reasons for the same. 

Often known as "Little Calcutta", this place offers them numerous opportunities that connect them with a culture that they have left behind in Bengal. The Kali Mandir is one of the biggest highlights of the place which is dedicated to goddess Kali, the main goddess worshipped in Bengal. 

It is also a very obvious fact that Bengalis like eating fish and no other fish market in Delhi provides as many fish varieties as people can find in Chittaranjan Park. You can buy any fish that you want at an affordable price to cook your favourite dishes like Fish Fries and Cutlets, The Bhetki Paturi and others. 

The CR Park Durga Puja is definitely the highlight of this place as the entire neighbourhood is transformed into a vibe that is magical and authentic. Every single day of the celebration is marked with different events, pomp and programs that fill the devotees with joy. 

Observing People and Their Culture

A trip to Chittaranjan Park exposed me to the welcoming Bengali population and their sincere hospitality right away. The people of the community welcome visitors with open arms to share historical accounts about their traditions. I felt the robust community spirit throughout the markets where Bengali people conversed in their language while families socialized by eating street food.

My most memorable sight occurred when I watched a grandfather and grandmother reminisce about their fond memories of Kolkata during their shared puchka eating experience. During Durga Puja celebrations strangers bonded through mutual friendly interactions as they smiled at each other and shared sweets while the feeling of long-term friendship developed between them. The Bengali cultural essence which Chittaranjan Park embodies defines it as a destination that should be included in every West Bengal exploration.

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