Dakshinapan

দক্ষিণাপণ

An open-air court of state handloom and handicraft emporia.

About Dakshinapan

Dakshinapan is a low, open complex of shops around courtyards, built to house the handloom and handicraft emporia of India’s states: Odisha ikat, Gujarat mirror-work, Manipuri weaves, Bengal’s own Tantuja and Manjusha. Prices are fixed and the goods are government-certified. The Madhusudan Mancha theatre is next door.

Why visit

Handloom from across India at fixed prices, without the haggling of Gariahat.

What to see and do

State emporia for saris, fabric and crafts
The tea stall in the courtyard
Madhusudan Mancha next door

Plan your visit

Area: Dhakuria, South Kolkata
Nearest landmark: Gariahat Road South, by Dhakuria bridge
Best time: Afternoon or evening. October to March is the most comfortable time of year.
Time needed: About 1½ hours
Cost: Free
Entry: Open to everyone: a street, ghat, market or park you can walk into.
Train: Dhakuria, about 5 minutes’ walk
Walking: Little walking
Photography: Photography is fine with some care.

Tip

Most emporia close on Sundays.

Nearby and related places

Gariahat: South Kolkata’s shopping crossroads for saris and pavement bargains.
Japanese Buddhist Temple: A small white temple by the lake where a drum is beaten at dawn and dusk.
Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture: A cultural institute at Golpark with a library, a museum and evening talks.
Rabindra Sarobar: A 73-acre lake ringed by trees: South Kolkata’s morning walk.
Birla Academy of Art & Culture: An art museum and galleries on Southern Avenue.
Lake Kalibari: A much-loved Kali temple on Southern Avenue, founded in 1949.

Walks that include it

South Kolkata Cultural Trail: Temple town to the lake

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.