State Government launches Cruise along the Ganges
Launched this weekend, on 14th February 2021, you get an opportunity to hop and set sail on the European Settlements Boat Ride (ESBR) that starts at 10 am from Millenium Park each weekend. Along with the feel of a Cruise, you get to see the erstwhile European Settlements of Serampore and Chandernagore. The first stop of the ship will be around 1pm at Serampore. The second halt will be around 3:30 pm at Chandernagore. The ride will end at Millenium Park around 9 pm.
Thomas Sehested, Director of Danish Cultural Institute India said, “I am excited to learn that WBTC is commencing the European Settlements Boat Ride, touching the former European Settlements at the Hooghly River. The area is an important part of our common pre-colonial history – with fascinating stories of exchange not just in trade, but also in culture, literature, art, and philosophy.
The ride will be organised by the WBTC in collaboration with Danish Cultural Institute and Oxford Bookstores. “The boat ride will give people a glimpse into the European history in India. This river ride will be a perfect weekend getaway for people,” said Rajanvir Singh Kapur, Managing Director of WBTC. Historically, the Danes had settled in Serampore and the French in Chandernagore, despite the British dominance in colonial Bengal. Even today these two colonies reflect the history, culture, language, food and architecture of the Danish and French. Danes acquired land in Serampore from the Nawab of Bengal in the mid-18th century and christened it as “Frederiknagore” in honour of their King Frederik V. When Colonel Ole Bie was appointed the first Crown Regent of Serampore in 1776, his administration brought more prosperity to the town and its Danish merchants. In 1845, Frederiknagore was sold to the British East India Company, and rechristened Serampore.
Chandernagore was established as a French colony in 1673. Joseph Francois Dupleix was appointed Governor of the city in 1730. Like other French colonies in India, Chandernagore was governed from Pondicherry until the town was acceded to India in 1950.
People can enjoy the water view, watch movies, listen to European music or grab a book from the extensive library during the ride. Light snacks will be on offer, too. The ride will take 11 hours, replete with traditional European music. The vessel for the ride is decked up in souvenirs, photos and memorabilia of Europe, and also has a well-stocked Library, commissioned by the Oxford Bookstores. The starting and ending point would be the Millennium Park jetty.
This river ride will be a perfect weekend getaway for people,” said Rajanvir Singh Kapur, Managing Director of WBTC. Historically, the Danes had settled in Serampore and the French in Chandernagore, despite the British dominance in colonial Bengal. Even today these two colonies reflect the history, culture, language, food and architecture of the Danish and French.
Thomas Sehested, Director of Danish Cultural Institute India said, “I am excited to learn that WBTC is commencing the European Settlements Boat Ride, touching the former European Settlements at the Hooghly River. The area is an important part of our common pre-colonial history – with fascinating stories of exchange not just in trade, but also in culture, literature, art, and philosophy. Taking a ride along the river is the best way to see these World Heritage sites.”
The cruise will operate evert Saturday and Sunday. Proper sanitization and other COVID-19 protocols are being followed. Guests will have the option of a “tuck shop” serving packed light snacks and tea/coffee for on board purchase.
