The most attractive destination in the village is the Kiriteswari temple. (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Kolkata: Located in the Nabagram block of West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, Kiriteswari village has been recognised by the Union Ministry of Tourism as the ‘Best Tourism Village of India 2023’. The village, situated about 220 km from Kolkata and 30 km from the district headquarters, has shot to fame thanks to the recognition of the Tourism Ministry.
About the Kiriteswari village
Kiriteswari is a charming village in West Bengal’s Murshidabad that has both the treasures of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The name of the village means ‘crowned goddess’ and it comes from a temple in the village which is believed to be a thousand years old and is dedicated to Goddess Dakshayani Sati.
The village is a Shaktipeeth and one of the 51 peeths. That is why, numerous tourists and devotees visit the village, which is set to get a tourism boost thanks to its recent jewel in the crown. Those living in the village are dedicated to sustaining rural tourism through its preservation of traditions, gender equality, environmental consciousness, and economic development.
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There are ancient temples, cultural fairs, and initiatives for waste management and energy conservation in the village along with homestays. The village shows how tourism can enrich rural communities while conserving their essence. Initiatives like the month-long ‘Paush Mela’ and ‘Kumari Puja’ celebrate the heritage of our society while folk dances keep traditions alive.
About the Temple
The most attractive destination in the village is the Kiriteswari temple which is a Shaktipeeth. The term refers to temples built on the sites where the various body parts of goddess Sati are believed to have fallen. Some believed that the temple was constructed by Darpyanarayan, the king of Lalgola. The main temple is well-maintained and is surrounded by various structures.
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The local people call the temple Mahishamardini and the deity is known as Mukuteshwari. The old temple is thought to have been destroyed in 1405 and hence, the new temple was built by the Lalgola king. Also, it is believed that the Muslim community donated a portion of the land where the temple compound now stands.
Notable events of the village
The village hosts a month-long fair during the month of ‘Paush,’ known as ‘Paush Mela’. In the fair, handicrafts and food items are exchanged in lieu of paddy. Also, the village hosts various folk performances, including ‘Baha’ and ‘Lagre’ tribal dances,.
Before the honour of the Tourism Ministry, the district tourism authority had established pilgrim and tourist amenities around the temple and approved 19 homestays in the village. The tourism initiatives of the state government in the region have resulted in the generation of employment, economic sustainability, and business development, benefiting the local people.
