Katra delighted! 1
Situated in Murshidabad, the medieval capital of Bengal (about 200 km from Calcutta, approachable by both road &amp; railways), Katra Mosque is a huge structure built by Nawab Murshidkuli Khan in 1723-25. Built as a replica of the Holy Kaba Mosque of Mecca, this huge mosque is an excellent example of medieval Muslim architecture in Bengal.
Partially damaged , the mosque now boasts of two 22 metre high Minars &amp; two huge domes of 15 metre in diameter. There is a big clearing inside where the devotees can offer prayer.
The entrance has 16 smaller domes.
Lying underneath the staircase of the entrance of this imposing mosque is the body of Nawab Murshidkuli Khan, who, according to the popular belief, wanted his body to be buried there so that the dust from the feet of the devotees entering the mosque brings him eternal blessings.
This heritage structure has got a facelift just yesterday (17 Feb 2011) when the Tourism Department of the Government of West Bengal installed colored lights (to be switched on every evening) with appropriate background music to attract tourists.
Fortunately I was there to watch the inauguration program of this project, &amp; it was really spell bounding. The display of light of different colors on the imposing domes &amp; minars was really awe-inspiring &amp; I tried my level best to capture the aura.
I’m sharing my experience with you through some of my shots.

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