Why does the ''Nizamat Imambara'', Murshidabad, of West Bengal attract lots of tourists?

  Located  2 km from the outskirts of Murshidabad town, West Bengal the Nizamat Imambara , is a monumental structure and the largest one in India, serving as a sacred congregation hall for Shia Muslim rituals during Muharram, particularly for Azadari, the mourning of the martyrdom of Hussein in the Battle of Karbala. The Imambara stands as a testament to the legacy of the Murshidabad Nawabi family and their rich tradition, displaying hallmark Islamic architecture.

Nizamat Imambara: Murshidabad,WB tripadvisor.com

Here are key facts about the Nizamat Imambara:

Current Structure: Built in 1847, the Nizamat Imambara is  located opposite the Hazarduari Palace near the Bhagirathi River.  

Old Imambara: The original Imambara, built by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah, was made of quality wood and stood within the fort area. It was destroyed by a fire mishap on 23 December 1846  during a celebration with fire-works.  It contained the soil from the holy land of Mecca and the purpose was to help poor mulim community to visit this site as they could not afford a trip to Mecca _Haj. 

Builder of New Imambara: The current structure was commissioned by Nawab Nazim Mansur Ali Khan in 1847 and completed within 11 months under the supervision of Sadeq Ali Khan. It cost over ₹6 lakhs.

Mosque and Nizamat Imambara: Murshidabad,ransindiatravels.com

Madina Mosque: The Madina Mosque, which houses soil from Mecca, is a unique feature within the Imambara and survived the fire that destroyed the original Imambara.

Design: The length of the  present Imambara is 680 feet  and the width varies. The central block that has the Madina is 300 feet long> the huge structure is divided into three quadrangles:

The central quadrangle  houses the Madina Mosque and Memberdalan (a hall for members).

The eastern quadrangle includes the Naubat Khana.

The western quadrangle standing on the mint gate, it  has a two-story mosque with marble floors and chandeliers gifted by the East India Company.

location of  Murshidabad town, WB, fr.weather-forecast.com

Cultural Significance: 

The Imambara is not only a place of worship (including separate room for women)  but also holds historical importance, connecting Murshidabad’s  Nawabi past with its present. the East facing  big entrance  gate is built  in Imamia style which is surrounded by this Naubat Khana

 Preservation: The Nizamat Imambara is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and remains an important cultural and religious site.

The Imambara’s rich historical significance, its architecture, and its location near the Bhagirathi River make it an iconic landmark in Murshidabad.

https://tourindiadetails.blogspot.com/2011/02/murshidabad-tourism-in-west-bengal.html

https://www.navrangindia.in/2018/06/the-nizamat-imambara-murshidabad.html

https://www.navrangindia.in/2018/12/nizamat-imambara-murshidabad-astounding.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazarduari_Palace