History behind this Nayabad mosque is interesting. Like any other mosques which are similar to this one, it wasn’t built by any landlord, or a rich merchant. According to the local people, to build the great Kantajew temple, a lot of Muslims came to this place. And those Muslim people built this archaic mosque for their prayers. That’s why this mosque is the contemporary of the Kantanagar Temple.
Local people are doing a Friday prayer in Nayabad mosque.Nayabad mosque is situated in Ramchandrapur union of Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur district. This ancient mosque is situated beside the bank of a moribund river Dhepa. This mosque is around 1.8 kilometers apart from the great temple Kantajew.
It’s a small mosque, and has three domes atop. 2-3 rows of people can be arranged inside during praying. But the mosque has a yard at the eastern side where additional people could stand during a prayer (specially during a Friday prayer when majority of the people come). According to the inscription at the doorway the mosque was built somewhere around 1793 AD. Nowadays a Madrasa is built at the eastern side of the mosque.
How to go:
First of all you have to go to the Kantajew temple. From there, you can take any van or auto rickshaw to go to the Nayabad mosque. Or you could have a walk through the picturesque village beauties. It won’t take more than 30 minutes if you walk.
To go to the Kantajew temple you can take the JK bus service (25-30 Taka per person). It would drop you at Rampur Bazar. From there it’s 10 Taka van rides for each person.
You can find the JK bus service at the New Terminal of Dinajpur town. Some people say this as Boro Bus Terminal. Or, simply tell anyone that you wish to go to Kantajew temple. They will guide you to the bus stoppage as this temple is the most popular attraction from the district.
Where to stay:
It is always better to stay in the Dinajpur town during your visit. Because this place is not sufficient enough to accommodate a traveler. You may use the government guest house near the Kantajew temple if you have a proper link. But it would be difficult for you to manage food. No quality restaurant is available near the mosque, or the temple (unless any villager helps you by cooking).
Nayabad mosque,
Union: Ramchandrapur,
Upazila: Kaharol,
District: Dinajpur,
Country: Bangladesh,
GPS coordinate (25°46’54.6″N, 88°39’31.4″E)
Friday, 25 May 2012
