RAMDULAL NIBAS er Durga Pujo

Pandal Overview

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Bengali merchant Ramdulal De(Sarkar) was a well-known figure in the maritime trade between India and America. One of the earliest Bengali businessmen, Ramdulal Dey (Sarkar)amassed wealth in the 17th century through trade with the newly independent United States of America (USA). At a period when the US had just attained independence from Great Britain and was actively trying to develop its economy and trade, he was a pioneer in the Indo-American maritime trade. The second-oldest American consulate (and oldest in India) was established in Kolkata on November 19, 1792, by order of George Washington, the first President of the United States, due to the prosperous trading links between Ramdulal and Kolkata. Due to their extravagant lifestyle, Asutosh Deb and Pramathanath Deb, his two sons, gained the renown nicknames “Chhatu Babu” and “Latu Babu.” They allegedly used to burn 100 rupee bills to light cigars. Despite their lack of commercial success, they were well-liked in their respective industries. Musician Asutosh alias Chhatu Babu was a prominent classical music lover and expert. His nach ghar (dancing room), where renowned national musicians and dancers like Gauhar Jaan and Pandit Ravi Shankar performed, became famous during his lifetime. Ishwar Ram Dulal Deb (Sarkar) first held Durga Pujas at his home on Beadon Street in 1770. Later, this ritual came to be known as Chatu Babu Latu Babur Barir Traditional Durga Puja. Courtesy: The Pujo Company

Located in Bonedi Bari, RAMDULAL NIBAS er Durga Pujo draws festival visitors every year for its artistic installation work and traditional Kolkata Durga Puja rituals.