Bada Imambara, Hooghly

Hooghly’s Bada Imambara is the second most well-known imambara in the state. It was planned by Haji Mohammed Mohsin, who made all necessary arrangements for it, but died before construction could begin. A nobleman from Jaunpur, Rajasthan, Keramat Ali began planning the Hooghly Imambara in 1841. Completed in 1861 with a total cost of INR 2,17,413, the special attraction here is the magnificent Zaridalan. The walls are covered in beautiful calligraphy of lines from the “Hadees”, texts sacred to Islam. Beautiful Belgian glass chandeliers and lampshades hang from the ceiling. Five elegant and beautiful tazias are stored inside the Zaridalan. But the most spectacular attraction are the 80-foot tall twin towers on both sides of its main gate. Within each of them is a spiral staircase leading to the top. If you climb the 152 steps to the top, you will be rewarded with some spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.