CR Park! A bengali paradise

Unlike other cities, the city, the capital of India, Delhi was built as a result of developments in villages, during the sultanate period. These villages located at distance, developed over time resulted in the magnificent city, having many historical and fundamental distinctions from the other states of India. One such distinction is the sense of extreme community. One such example is the Bengali community in Delhi, often called as CR Park (Chittaranjan Park)

Let us delve into the mini Kolkata with these amazing facts about CR park.

The Bengali Community and Culture

Chittaranjan Park known as C.R. Park, is an affluent neighbourhood in South Delhi, and home to a large Bengali community. It was established in the early 1960s under the name EPDP Colony or East Pakistan Displaced Persons Colony, and later renamed after the Deshbandhu (patriot) Chittaranjan Das in the 1980s.

Walk along the roads of CR park and you would get a taste of Bengal. From marriages to worship to the food, CR park is a feeling of West Bengal inside Delhi.

The Kali Bari (Mandir)

Both a temple complex and a Bengali community for cultural, the Kali temple located at the heart of CR park is visited by millions. The Kali temple houses the famous and powerful Maa Kali, established in 1973. A large number of devotees come from across the state during both Kali and Durga Pooja. This temple is a great opportunity for the individuals who would like to get accustomed to the Bengali culture.

The temple sees daily rituals performed by the temple priests; all the deities in the three temples are given equal attention and are much revered. Several festivals are celebrated here in the CR Park Kali Mandir, this include, Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, Annapurna Puja, Kali Puja, Jagadhatri Puja, Maha Shivratri, Ram Navmi, Bipattarini Puja, Neel Shashti, and Holy Milan. Additionally, evening kirtans are conducted often where everyone is invited to bathe in the divinity of God.

Durga Pooja

During the month of October, the entire street of CR park is flooded with the Bengalis coming from all around the state to witness Durga Puja. On this day, the community comes together and celebrates the homecoming of the Godess Durga. For the next 5 days, the people at CR park engage themselves with various cultural activities which brighten this festivity.

Markets No. 1 and 2 and Kolkata

The famous Markets 1 and Markets 2, also called the Macchi markets are located here. One can find all possible varieties of fish in these markets. From the famous Bhetki, to Katla, to Rui, to Pona, to even the famous Ilish (Hilsa), the market houses all varieties of fish. What’s more Kolkata like are the vendors who sell these fishes arrange the fish like how they are arranged in Kolkata.

The market is also known for the vendors who sell Ghoogni (Matar Dal) and Phuchka’s (The Bengali name for Golgappa).

Need some Bengali Spices, visit the market number 1 and 2 at CR park. This market is known for its Kolkata like environment. It sells sweets, food spices, Marriage items and even the local mustard sauce, referred to as Kashundi. The market also sells tea in a pot, what Bengalis call as, Bharer Cha! This is complimented with the Mukhorochok chanachur.

Food, the Bengali way

Visit Chittaranjan Park and I assure you that the food will not disappoint you. The following are some of the food you will get to taste in the market

Phuchka

The famous Kolkata phuchka is found in the Markets No. 1 and 2 of CR Park. Here, the Phuchkas (Often called Golgappas or Pani Puri) is severed with a potato mixture and spices. It is accompanied by a tamarind water mixed with finely diced coriander which enhances the flavour. It is severed individually, piece by piece, to the customers, one at a time, on a bowl made from dry leaves.

Ghuugni

A Bengali delicacy served hot. Can be had with “muri” or “luchi” (Poori made from maida). It is topped with grated onions, coriander leaves and diced chilies. Ghugnee can be found on the local stalls served both Veg and Non Veg. The non veg Ghugnee is made by mixing pieces of minced mutton with the dish. This Ghugnee is also severed with freshly made chicken and veg dumplings.

Chai in a bhar

The famous “Bharer Chai” is found in the tea stalls in CR park Markets 1 and 2. The tea served in earthen pots have typically originated from the villages of West Bengal

Fish Fry and Chicken Roll

Fish fry made from the fillets of Rohu (Bhetki) is also found in the restaurants and local vendors at CR Park. The fish is coated in a wonderful onion ginger paste, covered in flour, dipped in egg batter, then covered with bread crumbs and fried to perfection. This is one of the Bengalis most favourite dishes.

This is served along with the famous Kolkata chicken rolls. The rolls are prepared by frying chicken along with green bell peppers and onions and then tossed into a tried “Laccha Paratha” and rolled up after adding fresh chopped onions and chillies with a dash of lime. The roll corners at CR park makes these roles to perfection.