BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY
KOLKATA | 10 JULY 2026
About one hundred and sixty members including the families and friends of Bharat Jain Mahila Mandal of the City of Joy, who have been invited by the Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister of Rajasthan, Diya Kumari to visit and see Rajasthan during her recent visit here are all set to travel to the Incredible State of India very soon.
Talking to The Travel and Tourism Times today at the pavilion of Rajasthan Tourism in TTF Kolkata at Milan Mela Prangan, Anju Sethia, Founder of Kolkata Chapter of Bharat Jain Mahila Mandal has informed that they have been working in the country for the past 125 years, oldest Jain organization since the past forty years they have been staying in Kolkata but the roots are origins are from Rajasthan.
The eminent members of Bharat Jain Mahila Mandal have been felicitated with token gifts by Mr. Anil Rathore, Joint Director of Rajasthan Tourism and Mr. Hinglaj Dan Ratnoo, Of RTDC Kolkata for their immense contribution in the field of social activities and uplifting the Bengal – Rajasthan cultural sector at the Rajasthan Tourism Stall in TTF Kolkata.
“ We have seen in Sonar Kella and the palace in Jaisalmer in Satyajit Ray’s famous film since our childhood , and most of us have visited the popular tourism attractions and destinations, but we have not seen the rural Rajasthan. Most of the members travel regularly throughout the country. The havelis, where each wall tells a different story, the rich cultural heritage, culinary skills of Rajasthan besides the famous and popular wildlife, palaces, sand desert, lakes, temples . Now we plan to see the origins after the invitation of Diya Kumari ji and we are overwhelmed by her simplicity and love for the expatriate Marwari populations here. Also we give credit to Mr. Hinglaj Dan Ratnoo, who has acted as a cultural bridge between Rajasthan and Kolkata since taking charge of Rajasthan Tourism and Information and Culture office in Kolkata,” added Smt. Anju Sethia.
The Kolkata branch of Bharat Jain Mahila Mandal is related with various social, cultural and religious activities throughout the year. Mr. Hinglaj Dan Ratnoo has been urged to arrange the proposed tour of the huge members of the Bharat Jain Mahila Mandal Kolkata Chapter, not only Rajasthan Tourism will get business from the state and will be vice versa as a similar team from Rajasthan is also likely to visit from Rajasthan in future.
Bharat Jain Mahila Mandal expects that after the visit there will be tremendous interest generated amongst the people of Kolkata will visit those unexplored and lesser known but beautiful new destinations .
“ There are lot of cultural exchanges between Rajasthan and West Bengal and there will be a cross cultural exchange. Bengalies love Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ke Sabzi, Ker Sangri, Ghevar , Boondi raita, Lal Mass, Bikaner papad etc when they visit Rajasthan, whereas the Rajasthani people love the payesh, luchi aloo dum, aloo posto etc of the Bengalies, so the bonding is very strong. Both Marwari and Bengali are culturally attached very closely which you cant separate easily. Bengalies love to travel Rajasthan almost every year.
She further added that visionary leaders like Mr. Pradip Chopra, Chairman of iLead and MD and Chairman of PS Group in Kolkata are the pillars and has been working hard continuously for the improvements of the Jain and Rajasthani cultures and developing the heritage tourism sector in both Rajasthan and West Bengal .
Smt. Ruma Das, a Bengali woman from Kolkata, who is also associated with the activities of Bharat Jain Mahila Mandal said that it is very difficult to distinguish the cultures of Bengal and Rajasthan. “ Most of us are free now from our family life and we are trying to explore each and every nook and corner of Rajasthan. As a guide Mr. Hinglaj Dan Ratnoo had inspired us to visit the rural and unseen and virgin destinations. “ Rajasthan beyond palaces, sand dunes, wildlife and lakes should now be explored and there should be a focus on sustainable tourism,”she added.
On 11 July, the Bharat Jain Mahamandal, Kolkata branch is organizing a cultural event on Sawan Mahotsav, said Smt. Chanda Golcha, President, Bharat Jain Mahila Mandal.
Smt. Neha Rampuriya, Vice President, Smt. Saroj Bhansali, ex President of Bharat Jain Mahila Mandal Kolkata were also present on the occasion.
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