Nakhoda Mosque Mosque

Address: Nakhoda Masjid, Zakaria Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700012, India

Hours: Open daily for worship; visiting hours vary with prayer schedule

Admission: Free (no admission; donations accepted)

The Nakhoda Mosque is the principal mosque of Kolkata, West Bengal, and was completed in the early 20th century by the local Muslim merchant community.

Built by the Cutchi Memon community, construction finished in the 1920s to serve Kolkata’s growing Muslim population; it has since functioned continuously as a site for daily prayers and large religious gatherings.

The mosque sits in central Kolkata’s old commercial district, close to the historic port and wholesale trading areas of the city.

• Visiting tip: Best visited outside Friday midday prayers to view the main prayer hall and courtyard; modest dress and respectful behaviour are expected during worship times.

Nakhoda Masjid stands in central Kolkata’s old waterfront area near Burrabazar. It is a short walk from the Mahakaran or Esplanade areas; Kolkata Metro and local buses serve the nearby thoroughfares. The main entrance is on Zakaria Street; plan for busy streets and congested traffic if arriving by car.

• Women and non-Muslim visitors should be mindful of dress and of restricted access during major prayers and festivals.
• Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest prayer times and to appreciate the mosque's exterior details.
• Photography is welcomed of the exterior; ask before photographing worshippers or interior religious activities.