Kolkata, West Bengal
Nakhoda Masjid is Kolkata's largest mosque, located at the intersection of Zakaria Street and Rabindra Sarani in the Burrabazar area of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Established in 1926 by the Kutchi Memon community, the mosque's name "Nakhoda" translates to "mariner" or "captain," reflecting the community's maritime heritage. The mosque can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers, making it a significant center of Islamic worship in Kolkata. Architecturally, the mosque draws inspiration from Mughal designs, particularly Akbar's tomb in Sikandra, featuring three large domes, two towering minarets each approximately 151 feet tall, and 25 smaller minarets ranging from 100 to 117 feet in height. The grand entrance resembles the Buland Darwaza of Fatehpur Sikri, constructed using granite sourced from Tolepur, making it one of Kolkata's most significant Islamic religious destinations and a must-visit for architecture and history enthusiasts.
Nakhoda Masjid holds immense religious significance as Kolkata's largest mosque and a major center of Islamic worship in the city. Established in 1926 by the Kutchi Memon community, the mosque reflects the rich Islamic heritage and cultural diversity of Kolkata. The mosque's name "Nakhoda," meaning "mariner" or "captain," honors the maritime heritage of the Kutchi Memon community, who were prominent traders and seafarers. The mosque serves as a vital center of Islamic worship, accommodating up to 10,000 worshippers during prayers and special occasions. The mosque hosts regular daily prayers (five times a day) and special prayers during Islamic festivals including Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Ramadan, attracting thousands of devotees from across the city and beyond. The mosque plays a crucial role in the religious and cultural life of Kolkata's Muslim community, serving as a place of worship, community gathering, and spiritual reflection. The surrounding Zakaria Street is renowned for its vibrant food scene, especially during Ramadan, offering a variety of traditional Muslim cuisine, further enhancing the mosque's significance as a cultural and religious hub. Nakhoda Masjid continues to serve as a symbol of Islamic faith and community in Kolkata, welcoming worshippers and visitors from all backgrounds.
Mughal-Inspired Design: The mosque draws inspiration from Mughal designs, particularly Akbar's tomb in Sikandra
Three Large Domes: Features three large domes, characteristic of Mughal architecture
Two Towering Minarets: Two main minarets each approximately 151 feet tall, serving as prominent landmarks
25 Smaller Minarets: Twenty-five smaller minarets ranging from 100 to 117 feet in height, adding to the mosque's grandeur
Buland Darwaza-Style Entrance: The grand entrance resembles the Buland Darwaza of Fatehpur Sikri, creating an impressive entryway
Granite Construction: Constructed using granite sourced from Tolepur, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal
Spacious Prayer Hall: Can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest prayer halls in Kolkata
Traditional Islamic Architecture: Showcases traditional Islamic architectural elements and decorative details
Visiting Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10 per person
Dress Code: Visitors should dress modestly, wearing long pants and shirts; women should cover their heads
Prayer Times: The mosque is active during the five daily prayer times; visitors should be respectful during prayers
Photography: Check photography policies before taking pictures; some areas may have restrictions
Ramadan Period: The mosque and surrounding area become particularly vibrant during Ramadan, with special food offerings on Zakaria Street
Best Time to Visit: During visiting hours, preferably outside prayer times for a peaceful visit
Respectful Behavior: Visitors should maintain respectful behavior, remove shoes before entering, and follow mosque guidelines; refrain from bringing attar (perfume) on Sundays
Location: Intersection of Zakaria Street and Rabindra Sarani, Burrabazar area, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata – approx. 20 km
Major Railway Stations:
Kolkata Railway Station (Chitpur) – approx. 2 km
Sealdah Railway Station – approx. 2 km
Howrah Railway Station – approx. 4 km
Metro Station: Central Metro Station or Mahatma Gandhi Road Metro Station – accessible via connecting transport
Zakaria Street: The surrounding Zakaria Street is renowned for its vibrant food scene, especially during Ramadan
The mosque is strategically located in the Burrabazar area, making it easily accessible from various parts of Kolkata and well-connected to major transportation hubs.
Nakhoda Masjid is well connected by road, metro, and rail. The mosque is located at the intersection of Zakaria Street and Rabindra Sarani in the Burrabazar area, which provides excellent connectivity to Kolkata city center and surrounding areas. The area is served by metro stations including Central Metro Station and Mahatma Gandhi Road Metro Station, offering convenient access via the Kolkata Metro network. Public bus services operated by the West Bengal Transport Corporation and other operators provide regular connectivity to the area. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cab services operate regularly in the area, offering convenient access for visitors. The mosque is easily accessible from major railway stations including Kolkata (Chitpur), Sealdah, and Howrah stations, with both Kolkata and Sealdah stations being just 2 km away, and the international airport, making it convenient for both local visitors and tourists. The mosque's location in the Burrabazar area, near Zakaria Street with its vibrant food scene, makes it easily accessible and a popular destination for worshippers, architecture enthusiasts, and tourists exploring Kolkata's rich Islamic heritage and cultural diversity. The surrounding area becomes particularly vibrant during Ramadan, offering visitors a unique cultural and culinary experience.