KOLKATA : The Chinese temple in Achhipur has finished 300 years, standing tall as a symbol in their culture amid an exodus of several European communities who have migrated out in these kinds of years. To mark the occasion, celebrations will start on Sunday with prayers by the monks from the Chowbagha temple, followed by a speech from representatives of the Chinese Consulate. And then there shall be a lion dance and cultural programmes.
The Chinese in Kolkata consider that the occasion additionally marks the tercentenary of the first “Chinese agreement” in Kolkata, when Tong Achew, the first Chinese dealer after whom the sleepy hamlet of Achhipur is called, touched the shores of Kolkata. Many historians have, however, stated that Achew got here to Kolkata within the overdue 18th century as an alternative of early 18th century.
“The temple used to be built in 1718 and we consider that Achew will have to have arrived barely a yr or two ahead of. So this additionally marks the first Chinese agreement right here,” stated Oyual That, the vicepresident of Gee Hing Club that is entrusted with the maintenance of the temple. Legend has it that Achew had arrange sugar mill and plantation in Achhipur, which modified where to a humming Chinese agreement. A Chinese temple got here up within a few years and the agreement used to be named Achhipur after the dealer.
Today, Achhipur does not have a single member of the Chinese community living there. Though where turns right into a China Town right through Chinese New Year, there is not much activity right through the yr. In the absence of any member of the community, the temple is sorted by Faruqul Haque, the caretaker. Haque’s circle of relatives has been doing this paintings for the previous seven generations.
“My ancestors had been looking after Achew-babu when he started doing industry right here. When the temple used to be built by him, he gave the job to considered one of my forefathers. Since then, every generation has served this temple,” says Haque, who knows all the rituals or even guides the Chinese folks coming from out of doors.
Currently, the community maintains the temple through local funding but they have got spoken to the state govt to promote Achhipur as a tourist vacation spot. “This will usher in funds which will help us maintain the temple and the places round it,” stated Joseph Ling, the president of the Indian Chinese Association.
The Chinese in Kolkata consider that the occasion additionally marks the tercentenary of the first “Chinese agreement” in Kolkata, when Tong Achew, the first Chinese dealer after whom the sleepy hamlet of Achhipur is called, touched the shores of Kolkata. Many historians have, however, stated that Achew got here to Kolkata within the overdue 18th century as an alternative of early 18th century.
“The temple used to be built in 1718 and we consider that Achew will have to have arrived barely a yr or two ahead of. So this additionally marks the first Chinese agreement right here,” stated Oyual That, the vicepresident of Gee Hing Club that is entrusted with the maintenance of the temple. Legend has it that Achew had arrange sugar mill and plantation in Achhipur, which modified where to a humming Chinese agreement. A Chinese temple got here up within a few years and the agreement used to be named Achhipur after the dealer.
Today, Achhipur does not have a single member of the Chinese community living there. Though where turns right into a China Town right through Chinese New Year, there is not much activity right through the yr. In the absence of any member of the community, the temple is sorted by Faruqul Haque, the caretaker. Haque’s circle of relatives has been doing this paintings for the previous seven generations.
“My ancestors had been looking after Achew-babu when he started doing industry right here. When the temple used to be built by him, he gave the job to considered one of my forefathers. Since then, every generation has served this temple,” says Haque, who knows all the rituals or even guides the Chinese folks coming from out of doors.
Currently, the community maintains the temple through local funding but they have got spoken to the state govt to promote Achhipur as a tourist vacation spot. “This will usher in funds which will help us maintain the temple and the places round it,” stated Joseph Ling, the president of the Indian Chinese Association.
300 years and counting, temple keeps China alive in Achhipur
![300 years and counting, temple keeps China alive in Achhipur]()
Reviewed by Kailash
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March 19, 2018
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