Happy TravellerWelcome to Rishra, a historic city and municipality located in the Hooghly district of West Bengal, India. Nestled on the banks of the River Hugli, Rishra is a city steeped in rich cultural heritage and industrial prowess. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Rishra has something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at what this fascinating city has to offer.
Rishra has a long and storied history dating back to the pre-colonial era. The city’s name is believed to have been derived from the word ‘Saint’ or ‘Rishi’, owing to the hermitages of saints that once dotted the banks of the River Bhagirathi. During the Mughal period, Rishra and its suburbs were thickly populated, and the hot and humid climate of the area was conducive to textile and silk weaving. Today, Rishra is a major industrial hub in Hooghly district, with factories like Jayashree Textiles, Aditya Birla Insulators, and Berger Paints.
One of the must-see attractions of Rishra is the Rishra Siddheshwari Kali temple, established over 800 years ago by Sri Jatadhar Pakrashi. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus, and devotees from all over the country come to seek the blessings of the goddess. Rishra is also home to a number of other temples and mosques, and the city’s multicultural, multifaceted township celebrates almost all religious festivals of all the major ethnic communities with equal enthusiasm. Amongst the attractions and festivities of Rishra, the Jagaddhatri puja, the invocation of Goddess Jagadhatri, in the month of November is celebrated largely all over.
Rishra is divided into two parts, East Rishra and West Rishra. West Rishra is also known as Morepukur. The city is well-connected by road and rail, with State Highway 6/ Grand Trunk Road (G.T. Road) passing through Rishra, and Rishra railway station situated on the Howrah-Bardhaman main line. Rishra also has a good number of West Bengal board schools as well as CBSE and ICSE board schools, making it a popular destination for students from nearby regions.
For those interested in Rishra’s culinary scene, the city has a host of restaurants and eateries to explore. From The Southern Spice to Yummy China, and the Classic Restaurants to Shubham Restaurant, there is something to suit every palate. And for those with a sweet tooth, Felumodak & Annapurna sweets shop is a must-visit.
Come and discover the many treasures of Rishra – a city that combines rich history, industrial might, and cultural diversity like no other.
