Nakhoda Mosque

Nakhoda Mosque is acknowledged as the largest mosque in the city of Kolkata. It was built under the benefaction of a dweller of Kutch, Abdar Rahim Osman in the year 1926. The mosque has become one of the prime tourist attractions of Kolkata, owing to its sheer size and magnificence. Around 10,000 devotees can perform their prayer, or ‘Namaaz’ in this splendid mosque together. A huge amount Rs.15 Lakhs was invested to accomplish the construction of this huge mosque. Presently, the mosque is administered by a board of trustees.

Chitpur Road, where the mosque stands is marked by all manner of activity, from the selling of brass utensils, musical instruments and itter (perfume), to people commuting by bus, tram and taxi. In fact, in true Kolkata spirit, commuters often disembark from their vehicles to grab a bite of delectable kebabs or pick up a handi of biryani to take home. A curious visitor may want to sit at one of the numerous street side shops with a cup of chai and imbibe, other than the sights and sounds, the intoxicating aura of history.

Location of Nakhoda Mosque at Kolkata

Nakhoda Mosque is located in the central part of Kolkata. It nestles in the Jacquaria Street, close to the junction of Chitpur Road and Mahatma Gandhi Road.

Details of Nakhoda Mosque at Kolkata

Earlier, the Nakhoda Mosque of Kolkata was a small mosque. It was only in 1926 that the present structure of the mosque was erected under the patronage of a Kutch resident, Abdar Rahim Osman. Nakhoda Mosque is the biggest mosque of Kolkata. The architecture of the mosque has drawn inspiration from the structure of Akbar’s tomb at Sikandra – which is truly a masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The entrance of the mosque has a striking similarity with the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri. For the construction of the mosque, original and superior quality granite stone was brought from Tolepur. A whopping amount of Rs. 15 Lakh was invested for the building of Nakhoda Mosque. The mosque is so huge that it can accommodate around 10,000 devotes at a time to perform their prayers. At the heart of the premise of the mosque, there lies a dome and two minarets. The interior of the mosque also boasts excellent ornamentation and creativity. ‘Attar’, sweet fragrant water is available daily outside the mosque, except Sundays.