Nimtala Crematorium

Nimtala burning ghat, Calcutta in 1945

Nimtala Crematorium is one of the oldest and most significant cremation grounds in Kolkata, India. It is located on the banks of the Hooghly River, near the Nimtala Ghat. The crematorium has a rich historical and cultural significance, serving as the final resting place for many notable personalities.

History

The Nimtala Crematorium was established during the British Raj and has been in operation for over a century. It has witnessed the last rites of several prominent figures in Indian history, including Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European Nobel laureate in Literature, and Aurobindo Ghosh, a prominent freedom fighter and philosopher.

Location

Nimtala Crematorium is situated in the northern part of Kolkata, near the Nimtala Ghat. The ghat is one of the many ghats along the Hooghly River, which are used for various religious and cultural activities, including ritual bathing and puja ceremonies.

Facilities

The crematorium is equipped with both traditional wooden pyres and modern electric crematorium facilities. This allows for the accommodation of different religious and cultural practices. The site also includes a waiting area for family members and a small temple for performing last rites.

Cultural Significance

Nimtala Crematorium holds a special place in the cultural and spiritual life of Kolkata. It is not just a place for cremation but also a site where people come to pay their respects to the deceased. The crematorium is often mentioned in Bengali literature and cinema, reflecting its importance in the local culture.

Notable Personalities Cremated

• Rabindranath Tagore - Nobel laureate in Literature
• Aurobindo Ghosh - Freedom fighter and philosopher
• Kazi Nazrul Islam - National poet of Bangladesh
• Satyajit Ray - Renowned filmmaker and author

See Also

• Cremation
• Hooghly River
• Rabindranath Tagore
• Aurobindo Ghosh
• Kolkata