Sister Nivedita's House — Local services in Kolkata

Since long we were planning to visit Sister Nivedita's house near Bagbazar, North Kolkata. As today was also Shri Sarada Maa's Padarpan dibas (anniversary of first arrival of Shri Sarada Maa at Bagbazar 'Mayer Badi'), we plan to visit both places together. The location of the house is 16, Bose Para lane (now renamed as Maa Sarada Moni Sarani), just opposite to Balaram Basu's house (popularly known as Balaram Mandir) near Bagbazar. This is the house where sister Nivedita lived. This house has witnessed many important works of Sister Nivedita. This is the place where she first started a school for the women & girls. She also wrote numerous prose, articles from this house. During the great plague of Calcutta in between 1898-1900, it is from this place where she started the movement to clean the roads herself, took care of the patients. This house was also witnessed presence of great personalities like Rabindranath Tagore, Jagadish Chandra Bose, Swami Vivekanada, Maa Saradamoni & others. The building got Heritage status in 2005 but restoration work started only in 2013. The entire work was supervised under the able guidance of ASI (Archeological Survey of India).

First time and ticket pricing: The museum is open only on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays between 1 PM to 5:30 pm (in summer). Maybe they will keep it open from Tuesday to Sundays in near future! Ticket price is Rs 50/- per head. If any student carries their School ID cards- they will be charged only Rs. 25/- per head. What we expected was a normal museum where the personal belongings shall be displayed. But, wonder wonder! That was far above our expectations to say the least.

The first room (Gallery 1) had 3D image of Sister Nivedita, who seems to engrossed in writing. An original poster of Swami Vivekanada signed by himself also adorned the wall- which was gifted to Nivedita. The first courtyard has witnessed presence of Swamiji and his monks friends, Rabindranath Tagore, GC Bose. Recorded voice messages will keep informing you about the history and importance of each events. Next the Thakur Dalan was the place where Sister used to teach women and girls in her school. Saraswati Puja was also organized there. 2 interactive display will give you information with lots of fun. Gallery 2 is a small room where careful lighting & Celtic music will create a mesmerizing atmosphere. A verandah next to it was converted a gallery which provides important milestones of her life. Some personal belongings of her were also displayed here. The next door took us to Andarmahal. An AV room (Audio-Visual room) provides a small show on her life; round cushion on floor catches out attention!

A newly constructed wooden staircase took us to the 1st floor. For old people and differently able person- elevator is also provided.

A full size figurine of Sister Nivedita welcomes you in the first floor. Gallery 3 emphasizes different aspects of her importance in the fields of literature, social, Science & Culture. Interactive displays will give you ample information. It is this place where she imparted training on sewing to women. Gallery 4 also provides interactive displays which are fun too!

This brings us to the end of the tour of a modern museum, adorned with high class technology, which throws light on our glorious past. If you are in Kolkata and wants to spend a knowledge sharing afternoon with your children, this is the place to be. Must...

My visit to Sister Nivedita house was like walking into the early 1900's. The house at 16 Bosepara lane has been really well maintained by RK Sarada Mission. It is important to note that mobile phones & bags are not allowed - No photography inside. You will be given a token for your shoes, bags etc. It's absolutely safe. There is a ticket of Rs.50 per head as entrance fee. The ticket price is absolutely worth it. There are several galleries, a lot of information has been provided using both print and digital medium. There are guides (volunteers) who will guide you through every gallery. They are warm, helpful and possess good knowledge. There is an audio visual room where you can see a small documentary on Sister Nivedita. Everything and all information from Sister Nivedita's arrival to Ma Sarada, Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore visits, is well documented. You can purchase selected Sister Nivedita books from a small store along with the iconic Vajra symbol designed by Sister for our national flag. If you have a great thirst for knowledge then this is definitely the place to visit. Visiting this heritage museum reminded me of how much sacrifice Sister Nivedita made towards education in India! Sister Nivedita house is easily accessible by bus plying on Baghbazar Road, Baghbazar railway station, and the nearest metro stations are Shyambazar &...

Sister Nivedita's House, located in Kolkata, is a historical landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of the most revered figures in Indian history. Sister Nivedita, born as Margaret Elizabeth Noble, was a disciple of Swami Vivekananda and played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence and the promotion of education, particularly for women. Her house in Kolkata is a testament to her contributions and dedication to India. The house is a well-preserved colonial-era building that exudes historical charm. The architecture reflects the period's style, and efforts have been made to maintain its original appearance. The serene and peaceful ambiance of the house provides a perfect setting for reflecting on Sister Nivedita's life and work. The house has been converted into a museum with various exhibits that showcase Sister Nivedita's personal belongings, letters, photographs, and other memorabilia. The displays are well-curated, offering insights into her life, her close association with Swami Vivekananda, and her contributions to Indian society. Informative plaques and descriptions accompany the exhibits, providing context and enhancing the visitor experience. Sister Nivedita's House is located in the Baghbazar area of Kolkata, making it easily accessible by...