What comes to your mind when you think of prasad? Is it laddoo, halwa, fruits, and peda or something else? We are sure that it could be anything but not Chinese food. But, what if we tell you that a temple in India is known for its unique prasad and that’s noodles? Yes, you read that right. A Kali temple in Kolkata is a perfect example of a beautiful amalgamation of two cultures. Here, you would not get a regular prasad from the priest but chop suey, noodles, and sticky rice. The uniqueness of this temple amazes everyone who gets to know about it.
Among various attractions in Kolkata, this Kali temple nestled in Matheswarta Road, Tangra, stands out. I am not aware of any other temple that serves stir-fried veggies, momos, and other Chinese foods a prasad. I know you all must be intrigued to know the story behind offering this unique prasad.
Bengalis believe that this Kali temple was created by a group of Chinese refugees who came to India during the 1930s Civil War. These migrants stayed in Tangra as refugees for a long time and influenced the region's culture. One of these Chinese migrants saw a dream of Maa Kali one night and that’s why he thought of building a temple for the Goddess He managed to build a temple with the help of some local people. You will be even more surprised to know that apart from Chinese foods, biscuits are also offered to the deity.
It is quite fascinating for me to know the influence of a foreign culture on the prasad menu of a temple in India. If you ever happen to go to Kolkata, do visit this Chinese Kali temple located in the lanes of Kolkata’s China Town. Also, don't forget to taste the Chinese prasad.