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East India Dastangos: Reviving Urdu Storytelling

Experience the ancient art of Urdu storytelling at East India Dastangos in Howrah, West Bengal. A unique cultural gem!

East India Dastangos, located in Howrah, West Bengal, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the ancient art of Dastangoi, a traditional form of Urdu storytelling. Through captivating performances, they keep alive the rich cultural heritage of this unique art form, once a key attraction of the Mughal court.

A brief summary to East India Dastangos

  • 10, Grand Trunk Rd, beside State Bank of India, Howrah, south, Kadam Tala, West Bengal, 711101, IN
  • +918910481169

Local tips

  • Check the schedule for upcoming Dastangoi performances and workshops to fully experience the art form.
  • Engage with the local performers to learn more about the history and nuances of Dastangoi.
  • The location is next to the State Bank of India on Grand Trunk Road, making it easily accessible.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Howrah Railway Station, take a local bus or auto-rickshaw along Grand Trunk Road towards Kadam Tala. Many buses ply this route. Alight beside the State Bank of India, near Kadam Tala; East India Dastangos is located adjacent to the bank. Bus fares typically range from ₹10-₹20. Auto-rickshaws may cost between ₹30-₹50 depending on the distance and time of day.

  • Taxi

    From Howrah Railway Station, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Ola) is a convenient option. Request a ride to 10, Grand Trunk Rd, beside State Bank of India, Kadam Tala, Howrah. The journey usually takes 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay around ₹120-₹240 for a standard taxi.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the vicinity of Howrah, walking to East India Dastangos is feasible. Head east along Grand Trunk Road towards Kadam Tala. Look for the State Bank of India; the destination is right next to it. The walk should be straightforward, but be mindful of traffic along Grand Trunk Road.

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Discover more about East India Dastangos

East India Dastangos is a cultural center in Howrah, West Bengal, committed to the revival of Dastangoi, a 13th-century Urdu oral storytelling art form. Dastangoi, derived from the Persian words 'dastan' (story) and 'goi' (to tell), is a tradition where stories are performed using voice modulation, gestures, and expressions to create a vivid experience for the audience. This unique art form flourished during the Mughal era, particularly in the 16th century, and was a popular source of entertainment in royal courts and public gatherings. The stories often revolved around the adventures of Amir Hamza, the uncle of Prophet Muhammad, blending elements of war, love, magic, and trickery. However, with the decline of the Mughal court and the rise of British colonial rule, Dastangoi began to lose its luster. It is said to have died with the demise of Mir Baqar Ali in 1928. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Dastangoi, with groups like East India Dastangos working to revive and reinvent the art form for contemporary audiences. Founded by Palash Chaturvedi and Zahid Hossain, the group aims to keep the tradition alive through performances and workshops. East India Dastangos had its first public show on July 7, 2017. The name of the group is a nod to the cultural impact of the rulers who made Kolkata their first capital. The center not only hosts performances but also engages in educating the community about the importance of preserving traditional art forms.

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