Barisha Aatchala

বড়িশা আটচালা

The pillared courtyard where a Durga Puja has been held since 1610.

About Barisha Aatchala

Lakshmikanta Majumdar of the Sabarna family began a Durga Puja at Barisha in 1610, generally counted the oldest family puja in the Kolkata area. The Aatchala is the family’s open pavilion, of which the old pillars survive; tradition holds that the 1698 agreement with the Company was settled here. The puja is still held each autumn by the family, in this and their other houses.

Why visit

Four centuries of unbroken Durga Puja, in the place it started.

What to see and do

The old pillars of the Aatchala
The family Durga Puja in autumn

Plan your visit

Area: Barisha, Behala & Southwest
Nearest landmark: Sakherbazar, Barisha
Best time: Morning or evening. Durga Puja.
Time needed: About 20 minutes
Cost: Free
Entry: Entry is controlled (permit, caretaker, service times or event days). Family property. Visitors are welcome during Durga Puja; at other times view from the lane unless invited.
Metro: Sakherbazar (Purple Line)
Walking: Little walking
Photography: Photography is fine with some care.

Tip

At other times of the year there is little to see beyond the courtyard, and it is family property.

Nearby and related places

Sabarna Sangrahashala: The family museum of the zamindars who once held Calcutta.
Dwadash Shiva Temples, Barisha: Twelve Shiva temples in two rows beside a tank.
State Archaeological Museum: West Bengal’s own archaeology museum, on Diamond Harbour Road.

Walks that include it

Behala Heritage Trail: Older than Calcutta

More guides

Last checked on 2026-10-02. Each place was checked to exist and its position confirmed. Timings, closing days and ticket prices are shown only where known and can change: confirm before you travel.