Putul Bari – The Case of the Missing Ghost
Who does not wish to see a ghost? Well at least everyone want to but very few are lucky rather I should say unlucky to see them. Personally till date I have not seen these creatures and don’t really require to see them actually. After all I am human being thus I do have curiosity and this curiosity sometimes kills.
While on a tour to Kumortuli I was invited to join my photo walk buddies to a casual tour of Putul Bari (Doll House) after our Kumortuli walk. The curious animal that I am could not refuse this offer to meet the famous house of ghosts in Kolkata.
Why Putul Bari Became Haunted
Now from where did this concept of Putul Bari being a ghost house come into pace in the first place. For this we need to go back in time, I mean not centuries but to October 2013. I had read an article in The Telegraph where they had mentioned six haunted places of Kolkata and Putul Bari was one of them. From that moment on the social media circus was hot with several walks to these haunted places and Putul Bari became the hot spot for photographers desperate for a glimpse of these spirited creatures.
I personally know many of my close buddies who had visited this house or made an attempt but could not figure out the way and got lost in the maze of lanes of North Kolkata. Not knowing what this house actually is many speculated that this house must have a treasure trove of dolls from the early nineteenth century which must have been owned by the owner’s daughter. After the daughters sudden death the house became haunted and the dolls woke up at night and roamed the rooms.
Whereas some was sure that this was a place where the rich and famous came for an evening dance performance by Baiji’s. And during one such performance one of the dancer was murdered in this building and from that day on it became haunted by the spirit of this damsel, on a full moon night she still dances in the terrace.
I have even heard someone swear that this house was the scene of many slaughters by the British during the Indian freedom struggle. These dead freedom fighters instead of haunting the British generals started haunting the locals.
The stories never stopped and each came up with a new story, when asked about the reference none of them could prove anything and always referred that they had read about this somewhere on the Internet.
To be very honest even I became a victim of the social media trap and started believing that the Putul Bari is haunted. Being a blogger however I wanted an authentic story so that I can blog the real haunted story and not hearsay.
Location of Putul Bari
Visiting Haunted Putul Bari
Coming back to the Putul Bari adventure we decided to visit this place after our Kumortuli Photo Walk and this place was just a ten minute walk from Kumortuli. Situated near Sovabazar Launch Ghat on Hara Chandra Mullick Lane this house surely does not look that impressive from outside. Typical that of most old North Kolkata building this was in a similar dilapidated state, not being painted for decades the red brick structure stood out against the dull September sky.
The structure from outside looked more like a warehouse than a house, the large rooms could be easily made out even from the exterior. Putul Bari lies right next to the train track or Circular Rail thus the next time you travel this line be sure to look out for a quick glimpse and you will know what I am saying. With rows of trucks standing next to the rail track this place was quite busy, there was a constant rush of men with huge loads of cartons over their head loading the waiting trucks.
From here you can clearly see the top of the Putul Bari, you can see the two concrete status at the top of the building. I am sure during its heyday this building would have looked marvellous against the backdrop of the Hoogly River.
Don’t be mistaken this is not the main entrance, for that you need to cross the rail track and follow the narrow lane to the opposite side of the building. Somehow I could see the local residence not being amused to see so many photographers at the early morning hour. It was almost a dead ignorance that stared at our face.
Walking to the other end to Hara Chandra Mullick Lane we finally came to the entrance of the famous Putul Bari. By now there was an adrenaline rush in my body, there was a sense of anticipation, perhaps a sense of déjà vu considering the fact that I was about to brush shoulder with ghosts.
The entrance to this building really looks in shambles and there it was right in front of our face, a large signboard. Reading the content made us all stunned, written in large red font were these words written in Bengali. Translated: Entrance strictly prohibited – Do not lay ears to rumours. Do not spread rumours. Do not get influenced by the wrong information on Social Media. All facts about ghosts are completely a lie. Do not enter the house to verify this fact. – Residence.
We were speechless and did not know what to do next, all the adrenaline rush was gone, ghosts no ghosts nothing was registering in my head. All the anticipation of meeting a friendly or not so friendly ghost was gone. Desperate as we were we still decided to enter the house.
Meeting The Ghosts of Putul Bari
It was completely dark inside only lit by a completely dim incandescent bulb at a distance. A small shadowy figures appears as a silhouette against the vast room, is that a ghost I thought to myself. Suddenly the shadowy figure spoke in Bengali “Keno tomra ghorer modhyay dhukecho” Why have you people entered the house. By now the shadowy figure could be made out to be an old lady walking around with washed laundry in her hand, clearly she was looking for a place to hang them for drying. “Ghost, we have come to see ghost” quickly came the reply. Angrily the old lady snapped, “Do I look like a ghost to you?, why do you people keep bothering us with these nonsense stories of ghost”.
By now another gentleman appears to the right and things become much clear now, this place is actually a vest knitting factory and all around were old knitting machinery. Just because the lights were dim these could not be made out clearly from outside. Both of the agitated residence confirm that the ghost stories are completely woven in air and have nothing to do with this house. Suddenly we hear heavy footsteps in the background, clearly someone was climbing up the old wood staircase. The old lady and the gentleman at once asked us to leave since it was landlord who had just stepped in.
The Truth About Putul Bari
Sensing this opportunity my friend rushed back towards the entrance to speak with the landlord. The middle aged and medium build gentleman was climbing up the stairs towards the first floor of the house. Excusing himself and the others for the intrusion we asked him as to how this rumour about ghost got spread. Little agitated the gentleman replied that some people had unnecessarily spread this rumour on the social media and on the Internet about ghost in this house whereas in reality none of these are true. This building was basically a warehouse from the very beginning and still remains the same. There are however some people who stay in this building and they are definitely not ghosts.
Regretfully he informs us that this nuisance has forced him to put the signage outside the house and stop everyone from entering. Even the people genuinely interested in restoration of heritage structures are now being prevented from entering this heritage building since they have had enough of intruders already and do not want to be disturbed anymore.
He seemed to be angrier about few individuals who had actually weaved this story initially and created this mess. He is definitely contemplating legal action in the future if this kind of disturbance continues. All of the building residents are now ready to teach the intruders a lesson or two if they try something like this in the future. They have become more agitated that the house and its residents have become a part of regular photography expedition by organised groups.
On informing that we are actually more interested about the architecture and would love to photograph the interiors he paused for a moment and informed that next time we must send an official application by means of letter first and depending on the situation he may or may not allow us inside. After this he slowly climbs up the stairs and vanishes in the darkness thus ending our first attempt of photographing the interiors of Putul Bari.
By now it was almost 9.30 AM and I had to rush back to office so we head back to the parking lot, on the way we kept discussing about the impact of a rumour and what negative harm it can do for us bloggers and photographers. We did not see any ghost but saw the reality actually, and this is the reason why I am writing this blog to tell you all that the ghost of Putul Bari are actually missing permanently perhaps were never actually present in the first place.
Such a beautiful building ! Ghosts or no ghosts
Thank You 🙂
These old heritage buildings of Kolkata are so full of stories…
Absolutely Param, each of them have a past that needs to be told in the present.
nice yaaar truely said
Sure looks like a movie-shoot location!
I do not know why ABP Group is hell bent to prove that Putul Bari is haunted ? Today also they came out with an article which claims this to be haunted.
As per the information I have from some other bloggers of the city, Putul Bari was actually the residence of family owning Natta company – one of the popular Jatra companies of Kolkata..
Absolutely… we must investigate this more for the truth to come out…
I ALSO WANT TO INVESTIGATE WITH YOU CLL ME 9830451000 SAIKAT
You can visit on your own but do take permission from the owner before entering the house as its a private property.
Hi can I visit putulbari? Is it restricted place? Can I go there?
You can always take photos from outside but for inside you need prior permission from the owner
Yes you can visit and photograph from outside but for photographing the interiors you need seek permission from the landlord
Well the same thing happened when we went there yesterday.But there may be something,I am not saying about the ghost but there is maybe something on the upper floor.I met with few people near Kashipur Chat who entered inside and with press card and camera just to see the house and they said that the owner of the house said them not to go top of the floor.
Trust me nothing significant is there upstairs… Families stay there and they are very disturbed by the onslaught of unwanted visitors like us… Imagine how you would feel if unknown visitors keep coming inside your living room without asking permission…
Its just a rumor that was spread by some group of people just to create a buzz…
no ghost but truley an architectureal heritage to visit
Hahaha you are right, lets leave the ghost to others and let us enjoy the architectural beauty.
Ami kichu khon age putul barita gachilm sobar kotha sune…. Bhoot thakuk Ki na thakuk rate voy pabar jnno barita hochha best barir vetor ta voy ar karonbut Ami kno bhoot dekte paini… Bt barir owner and barir others lok a Ra barir chad jai khane futul ta acha … Ai bapar lokachha… Sudhu ama k akta thakuma bllo oi khane jeo na … Tai galam na
Bhut nei…. just a case of curious individuals trying to create something from their imaginations.
Can I enter this place ?
Ask permission and then enter…
If like u go alone there cause u went there with ur buddies like if I go alone and still there are people living there and why Mr. Sayan was restricted to go to that doll room . Either they all do something illegal or there is some kind of thing with is beyond our imagination like in simple language (ghost). Only way to prove it is go to that doll room spend night and as per the information even you saw that same old.lady iland even Mr. Sayan saw that old.lady to this proves they are staying from long time . Maybe some crime and etc. Is going on who knows?
I live in kumartuli and this hose is soo near to my house. I never heard any ghost stories about it. But unfortunately now days I’m finding that the house is occupied the reputation of haunted. But the news is not true.
Yes you are right, the rumor was spread by few for a quick buck by taking visitors around Kolkata for a walk…
I have brought up in this house!!my grand father is the land lord!its not haunted!in 70’s many famous people like football player subrata bhattacarya use to vist there!now a days only few peopl live at 2nd floor..so it seems that it may be haunted..and the main thing is that the house is so biiiig that anybody will scare to go in darknes!!!!
I am very interested to research about paranormal activity. I heard about this house. is this house better for me to research. because i research in national library and i got something not good some negative energy is there. so what do you think should i visit putulbari for research?
Make sure to take permission as this is a private property
interesting badi.. PUTULBARI. I found nothing. Unfortunately that day was sunday and completely dark inside the house.
Absolutely Deepankar… you will find no ghost coz there aint any..;)
Amra PUTUL Bari niye khub agrohi. Okane outdoor korte gele kono permission lage? Ektu help korben please……
Please speak with the owner (Landlord) that way you will get the best shots and the best stories…
Amra PUTULBARI niye khub interested. Okane outdoor korte gele kono permission lage?
Please speak with the owner (Landlord) that way you will get the best shots and the best stories…
Thanks….
I will also like to go to Putulbari
So I want some guidance that where I should go inside of that bari at first.
Please speak with the land lord first and then do whatever you want to, its a private property thus act accordingly.
how to meet the owner?
He stays on the first floor…
how to contact the owner?
He stays on the first floor, meet him first.
bullshit ! no ghosts at all… we have a bit connections with the care takers of the building..me and ma 2 frndz went in that building at nearly 2:30 am …bt nthng was there…. we were in that place till 3:00 which is known as the best time fr capturing paranormal activities…..we had 3 cameras ..bt nt a single movement was there …it was fucking boring ..really disappointing :/
First of all i was really interested and bit confused about the real story behind! But now the secrets are unraveled! good work!
Thanks Lahari 🙂
I went there yesterday @ 9 o clock including my 5 frndzz ….we vistited the house after getting permission by the enterprenieur of the house….We asked so many questions but he replied a few… one thing i can’t understand why did he stop everyone to go to the upper houses & terrace??? …i think he made his personal property haunted due to maintaining secrecy of the upper houses of putul bari…
Simply because the upper floor of the house is his residence and he would not like strangers to invade his privacy… The ghost story was made up by few individuals who wanted to benefit from the haunted house tours….
I had visited this house with my friends but nothing was there in the ground floor
I had taken permission from the landlord and when I visited the interiors of this house, I didn’t saw anything unnatural but the beauty of the architecture of the interior attracted me and I had done enough research about the history of the house ..You must bist this house but not for ghost. ..For the architecture of the interiors and second floor
Agree… this house is a treasure trove for architecture lovers.
Good house
Okhane jodi ghost thakeo seta to diner belay bojha possible na or activity to rate hoar kotha
Actually you are saying something which is quite contradictory. First is there a particular time definition as to when a ghost will come. Secondly people stay out there along with their families and trust me no one has seen anything. 🙂
Ami gotokal gachilam same bepar dhuktea dae ni amar bhoot dakhar iccha nei but putul gulo dakhar iccha chilo keu ki dekecho??keu boltea parbe kemon ba can anyone share d pictures i heard d statues r beautiful
Old Kolkata and its buildings creates a different feeling, I personally would love to see the place….. the buildings of old Kolkata has a beauty of its own and every building has a story
Radhaswami! 🙏
Thanks sir… but i will visit it from outside after my exams… i am a paranormal researcher…. with a skeptic idealogy… thanks for the detailed description.. respect
Purono diner barite gele emnitei ga haat pa thnda hye jay shudhu matro choto theke vuter golpo ja sob sunechi sob e oi voot dance krche tar sound paoa jay eshb sunei boro hyechi taai voy lage oshb kichui nei..frnds der niye whole n8 party krle voot palabe
Plz guyz don’t believe in such rumors, some insane people don;t have any story they are spreading such blogs in social sites, ignore such blogs, there is no such things like Spirit,Ghost or Bhoot, that building is a heritage of Kolkata which has a long history of his own, my personal request to W.B. Government to have a initiative to protect such heritage.. tnks to Mr. Subhadip Mukherjee for his Blog..
Plz guyz don’t believe such rumors like this, its a heritage building has a history of his own, there is no ghost/ spirit/ Bhoot present. Try to ignore such blogs….Thank you Mr. Subhojit mukherjee..
Have you read my blog in details till the end? I have written this blog just to prove that there are no ghost or paranormal activity…
Ya i have read it till the end…
Still akta sondeho theke jaccha third floor tar bepare
Nope nothing… just a figment of persons imagination…
Thank you subhodip for informing us about the real sory about putulbari… I hope we would know more about all this rumourus ghost stories…
Thanks, these encouragements really help 🙂
ami civil engineering niye porchi ..amr clg thke ekta project diyeche heritage buildings er opre..so ami jdi ei bapare landlord ke bli uni ki permission dben barir vitore dhokar??ami jdi clg er id card dkhai thle ki kaaj hbe..??
Yes please speak to the landlord he will surely allow you…
PUTUL BARI IS ALSO HAUNTED.THAT NOT MEANS THAT GHOST HARM U.
Its not “Haunted” and there are no ghosts….
It may have some another reason to restrict you to enter in putul bari.if it will proved once that there is a ghost realy exist .then it will bring a disturbance for the residence of this house permanently.so theye restrict you all. You should attempt to enter in the top floor to see the reality.
Trust me there are no ghost, families live out there. How would you feel if unknown people keep entering your private living room to spot ghosts?
Is there anyone live in the top floor
Ask the landlord he will give you the details
I went there yesterday with my friends.. do you know how many ppl actually stay there? M quite confused about the nmbr of ppl living there..
No not sure about the total head count. The upper floors are occupied by the landlord and his family and the ground floors by several small scale factories including their workers+family
Did u see ny old lady there?
Yup quite a few…
I went there yesterday with my friends… They did not let us go inside… Do you know what is the actual nmbr of ppl living there? I’m confused about this thing
No not sure about the total head count. The upper floors are occupied by the landlord and his family and the ground floors by several small scale factories including their workers+family
But sir,….What I have seen is not false, I hope…! One of My Grandfather’s house is in Hatibagan’s BEADON ROW and I was stepped in a house where everyone told it was putulbari. It is easier to go from hari ghosh st. and to Ram narayan Bhattacharjee lane(beadon row) opposite to a small Netaji statute. I was alone so didnt make bravery to enter it as it was also dawn.Was I false? Please Help me….
Putul Bare is the one mentioned in this blog and its not in Hatibagan
There is something I would like to know…Why is this place called ‘PUTUL BARI’ ? The history of this place is not mentioned in your blog. I will be grateful if you let me know that.
haha…i read all comments from the very top..we visited this place on durga oshtomi @3:00 am,prev year(’16) and photographed all necessaries .. here are so many questions…but the top of the all is- no one knows about the uppermost floor of this building..i mean is there actually paranormal activities spectated or any antisocial matters are related with this topfloor…i am asking this one(only 1) question because landlord or whoever restricts everybody to enter the uppermost floor(& of course the roof of the building)…what is this? i mean if you(landlord or his family) are living there on top then why you ain’t telling intruders that u live there? instead of you are restricting them(intruders) showing bad excuses & thus u r making this building haunted…i want a distinct clear picture of the roof( no one dared..lol😂) just to show enthusiasts that this is a heritage building not a haunted one….or else you(landlord) everyday must ready tea and snacks for intruders …long speech..😄 last of all..honestly i want genuine speakers not rumour-spreaders …so hoping for perfect answer
Are you sure that all the PEOPLE that live in Putulbari are Genuinely PEOPLE?
At least when I talk to them they look human 🙂
Is it allowed to enter into the house?
Take permission from the owner
i need a job please hire me as your assistant saikat
Even I need a job…
THANKS FOR THE REPLY IF ANYDAY NEED ME MAIL ME
On Thu, May 24, 2018 at 10:20 PM, Subhadip Mukherjee ~ The Indian Vagabond wrote:
> Subhadip Mukherjee commented: “Even I need a job… ” >
Your article has been plagiarized here – passion connect
I have to now keep an assistant…. really tiered of this actually. Thanks…
Love your writing style
Thank you!!