The Bengali Settlement in Delhi
The story of Chittaranjan Park and its iconic Kali Mandir is inseparable from the broader narrative of Bengali migration to Delhi. The connection between Calcutta (now Kolkata) and Delhi deepened in 1864 when the railway link between the two cities was established, bringing Bengalis to the capital for trade, education, and government service.
When the British shifted the capital from Calcutta to New Delhi in 1911, a small but significant Bengali community began settling in Delhi, primarily in areas like Daryaganj and Old Delhi. However, the most transformative event was the Partition of Bengal in 1947, which displaced millions of people from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Waves of Bengali refugees made the difficult journey to Delhi, seeking safety and a new beginning.
The Birth of Chittaranjan Park
In 1954, an association was formed by the East Bengali refugees in Delhi to advocate for rehabilitation and settlement. The East Pakistan Displaced Persons' Association (EPDP) was formally constituted in 1960 under the leadership of several dedicated individuals including Chandra Kumar Mukherjee, Subodh Gopal Basumallik, Bimal Bhusan Chakraborty, and Shyamaprasanna Senverma.
In 1967, the government allocated 218 acres of barren, rocky land in South Delhi for the rehabilitation of East Bengali refugees. A total of 2,147 individuals were given plots on a 99-year lease (later converted to freehold). This settlement was named Chittaranjan Park after the great patriot Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das.
The colony grew into a thriving neighbourhood spread across 11 blocks (A to K) with additional blocks M, N, O, K-1, K-2, and Pockets 40 and 52 — collectively home to approximately 2,000 Bengali families. Today it is affectionately known as the "Mini Kolkata" of Delhi.
Founding of the Kali Mandir Society
On 4 March 1973, the residents of Chittaranjan Park came together in a historic meeting and formally constituted the Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Society. What began as a small temple on a hillock — initially a Shiva temple — became the nucleus of community life for the Bengali settlers.
The vision was clear: to build a temple that would serve not only as a place of worship but as a community centre that would preserve Bengali culture, traditions, and identity far from their ancestral homeland.
Construction of the Kali Temple
The grand Kali Temple was constructed and consecrated in February 1984. Designed in the traditional Bengal terracotta architecture style, the temple is a visual tribute to the rich artistic heritage of Bengal. The structure houses three main shrines dedicated to Goddess Kali (the presiding deity), Lord Shiva, and Radha-Krishna.
Between 2006 and 2009, exquisite terracotta overlays were added to the temple exterior, further enhancing its architectural grandeur and making it one of the most visually distinctive temples in Delhi.
Key Milestones
Railway connection established between Calcutta and Delhi, beginning Bengali migration to the capital.
Partition of Bengal displaces millions. Bengali refugees begin settling in Delhi.
East Pakistan Displaced Persons' Association (EPDP) formally constituted.
218 acres of land allocated for Bengali refugee settlement. 2,147 plots distributed. The colony is named Chittaranjan Park.
4 March — Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Society formally established at a residents' meeting.
First community Durga Puja celebrated, beginning a tradition that would become one of Delhi's grandest.
The imposing Kali Temple constructed in Bengal terracotta architecture. Shrines to Goddess Kali, Lord Shiva, and Radha-Krishna consecrated.
Terracotta overlays added to the temple, enhancing its architectural magnificence.
Musical Fountain inaugurated by Dr. Anita Bose Pfaff, daughter of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. 40th anniversary celebrations held.
Golden Jubilee — 50 years of the Kali Mandir Society celebrated with special events and community gatherings.
PM Narendra Modi visits the temple during Durga Puja (Maha Ashtami, 30 September 2025), marking a historic occasion.
The Temple Today
Today, the Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir Society is a thriving institution that goes far beyond its role as a place of worship. The 3.5-acre complex is a self-contained campus offering religious services, guest accommodation (Yatri Niwas), a library with nearly 8,000 books, free medical dispensaries, yoga centre, Bengali language classes, cultural halls, children's park, musical fountain, and beautifully maintained gardens.
The temple's annual Durga Puja is one of the most celebrated in all of Delhi-NCR, drawing thousands of visitors. With over 640 life members and an active managing committee, the Society continues to serve the community with dedication and devotion, staying true to the vision of its founders.