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Bathing at Kalighat, Calcutta (Kolkata), India
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Bathing at Kalighat, Calcutta (Kolkata), India
People bathing at Kalighat, Calcutta (Kolkata), India. Date: circa 1890s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14138289
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
Bathe Bathing Calcutta Ghat Kali Kolkata Kalighat
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This evocative photograph captures the bustling scene at the Kalighat Ghat in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India during the late 1890s. The image presents a vibrant tableau of daily life, as people of all ages and backgrounds gather at the ghat to bathe in the holy waters of the Hooghly River. The iconic Kali temple, with its distinctive red and white striped spire, looms in the background, a testament to the spiritual significance of this place. The ghat's stone steps lead down to the water's edge, where men, women, and children wade in, some submerging themselves fully, while others content themselves with a quick rinse. Boats are moored along the shore, ready to ferry passengers across the river. The architecture of the buildings along the ghat adds to the rich historical context, with their ornate facades and intricate details. Bathing at the Kalighat Ghat was a ritualistic practice, believed to purify the body and soul. The water of the Hooghly River was considered sacred, and the ghat was a popular destination for both locals and pilgrims. The photograph offers a glimpse into the past, transporting us to a time when the rhythms of life were more closely intertwined with the natural world. This image is a poignant reminder of the enduring allure of the Ganges Delta, and the unique cultural heritage of Kolkata. It invites us to reflect on the ways in which the past continues to shape the present, and the power of tradition to connect us to our shared human experience.
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