Nakhoda Masjid, Central mosque in Kolkata, India
Nakhoda Masjid is a mosque in Kolkata, India, built with red sandstone and featuring numerous minarets rising above its structure. The building shows a symmetrical layout with multiple levels, arches in Islamic style, and open courtyards surrounded by galleries.
The Kutchi Memon Jamat community founded this site in 1926 by gathering funds and bringing construction materials from distant regions. The project took several years and reshaped the religious life of the neighborhood.
The name comes from a wealthy shipbuilder who provided the funds for construction, while the community gathers here for daily worship. Many people arrive on Fridays and festival days when the courtyards and prayer rooms fill with worshippers joining together in prayer.
The grounds open for worshippers during morning and evening hours, with separate entrance areas for women and men. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and can explore the compound more easily outside prayer times.
The main gate was designed after a famous gate from a palace in northern India and uses marble from Europe. Many elements inside, including the colored glass, were imported from Belgium and fit into the overall design.
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