The Bonedi Bari Trails: Rajbaris of Thanthania

There is a different Kolkata during Durga Puja.

Away from the big pandals and busy streets, the old lanes of Thanthania come alive in a quieter, more intimate way. Behind weathered walls and grand old gateways are the Rajbaris, family homes where Durga Puja has been celebrated for generations.

On this walking tour, we’ll wander through these old neighbourhoods and step into stories that you might otherwise walk past. We’ll talk about the families who built these houses, the rituals they followed, the traditions that have survived, and the people who kept them alive through changing times.

You’ll hear about the little details that make these Pujas special. The sound of the dhaak in an old courtyard, the smell of dhuno, the women preparing for rituals, the familiar faces returning home each year, and the memories tied to a festival that means something different to every family.

This isn’t a tour where you simply look at old buildings and listen to dates.

It’s a chance to experience Durga Puja through the homes, memories and stories of old Kolkata.

Come walk with us through Thanthania, meet its past, and see why these Rajbaris still hold such a special place in the city’s heart.

Come curious. Leave with a story of your own.