THE BAZAAR OF TIRETTI
The Chinese settlement of Calcutta dates back to the late 18th century.
The Chinese moved to the centre of Calcutta, where they settled in Tiretti Bazar. A market place designed by the disposed Italian architect and town planner Edward Tiretta. It was at this very place Calcutta’s (Kolkata’s) first China Town came up.
Later on a large section of Calcutta (Kolkata) Chinese moved to the Eastern part of Calcutta (Kolkata) in Tangra, to form the New China Town.
In spite of all odds Tiretta Bazar has a significant Chinese population and still has a feel of China Town. The Chinese breakfast is still available for the early-birds in the Chatawala Guli. But the star attraction of Tiretta Bazar are the six Chinese Temples (or Churches, as the Chinese calls it) hidden in the remotest o lanes of China Town.
The Sea Ip Church is the most accessible of the six Chinese Temples of Tiretti Bazar and the only one located on the main road.
Built in 1905 the Sea Ip Church is located at the centre of a truck yard and is perennially surround by trucks. In spite of all the chaos the temple with with red sloped roof topped with inverted porcelain fishes is bound to attract once attention.
The temple is located on the first floor of the two storied building and is dedicated to the Kwan Yin, the Goddess of war, mercy and love.
The temple also houses a set of weapons, dolls, wall & roof hanging and numerous images & statues of Chinese Gods & Goddesses.
