Golok Kayal Ghat of 3, Harish Chatterjee Street, Kolkata is a Grade-I Heritage of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). The ghat is a “riverfront structure” facing Adi Ganga. The ghat comprises of a thakurbati housing Radha Krishna and Devi Annapurna.
The ghat together with the thakurbati was built in 1289 Bangabda (i.e., 1883 according to English calendar). A plaque depicting the same is at the top of the ghat facing the river. One can also come across a blue plaque of Kolkata Heritage. A flight of stairs will lead you to the thakurbati which is a flat-roofed structure.
As you walk through you will come across two temples – the first dedicated to Radha-Krishna and other deities and the second to Devi Annapurna.
There is also an aatchala Shiva temple dedicated to Shree Shree Gangadhar Shibthakur built in 1289 Bangabda which corresponds to the same year of the building of this ghat. But the Shiva temple is a separate structure and can be seen from outside. Daily worship of all the deities are performed here. I have visited this thakurbati a number of times and, on each occasion, I have come across the priest performing puja.
As told earlier there is an idol of Goddess Annapurna sitted on a wooden throne. Just above the door of this temple there is a very old stone plaque but presently unable to decipher. I have been told by the priest that the idol is made of wood. Special puja is performed on the day of Annapurna Puja.
Earlier the Kayals had business in paddy. They came to Bhabanipur and settled here. The prominent member of this family is Gokul Kayal. Basanti Puja and Annakut festival were celebrated in their previous place of residence. Goddess Annapurna was worshipped in their family.
References:
- Capacity Building Programme Volume – XI Graded List of Heritage Buidings – Kolkata Municipal Corporation
- Darumoyee Annapurna – Debprasad Peyada
Date of posting: 25th March, 2026
Blog of Kinjal Bose 