Ranaghat is a city in the district of Nadia, West Bengal, India. It is situated 74 kilometres north of Calcutta. It is situated by river 'Churni'. It is known for its handloom industry, various types of flowers and sweet dishes especially "Pantooa" made by the famous "Jagu Maira". The town has spread up along its borders in all corners recently.Total population is around 2 lakhs as of 2011. It is one of the most important railway junctions in the Sealdah-Murshidabad railway section. The "Maitree Express" linking Kolkata and Dhaka pass through Ranaghat. Pal-Chaudhuri House -- The Pal-Chaudhuri House at Ghatak Para is a historical marvel and a beautiful reminder of the historical importance of the Zamindars of Nadia. The house was built over 250 years ago by Krishna Panti, a hero born in a mud hut, who rose to become one of the greatest merchants of Bengal, through his pious good works and honesty. He was given the title Pal-Chaudhuri and became Zamindar over a huge area of Nadia. He built this house with over 300 rooms for his descendants, employing Scottish architects. The buildings, temples and gardens have intricate terra cotta work, and is one of the only such buildings remaining mostly intact. Churni Nodir ghat -- The bank of River Churni is a pleasant break from the scorching heat of summer months. The recently built bridge over the Churni connects Ainshtola (on the west bank of Churni) to Chotobazar on the east bank. Siddheshwari Temple -- Temple situated in the heart of the town, Siddheshwaritala, that has existed for over 150 years. Devotees, especially women, pray here regularly. Nistarini Temple -- Another temple near the Happy-Club maidan. Ranaghat Forest -- Located outside the main township, Ranaghat Forest is a popular picnic spot. The Dey Chowdhury house is also a very beautiful ancient piece of architecture and is well-kept. Ranaghat has a handful of restaurants and hotels which remain very busy during festivals.A historic restaurant named "Adarsha hindu hotel" carries the taste of all sort of foods of Ranaghat & moreover Bibhutibhusan Bandopadhyay, a famous writer of Bengal used name of this hotel for his book. The town is famous for sweets like Pantua, goja, The town is inhabited mostly by Bengali Hindus. Durga-puja, like in all other Bengali communities, is the largest and most colourful festival and is celebrated throughout the town. Pujas belonging to the old families of Ranaghat are a few hundred years old. Sadu Bauni and Sharmabari are the oldest of pujas, they are of 700years or older, both started by Raja Krishnachandra Rai. The Durga idol at Ghatak Bari is made of cement, a permanent structure which is one of the first of its kind in the region. The big budgeted and grand theme pujas are mainly done by Dey Chowdhury Para Sharbojonin, Panthapara, Talpukrpara & Nabarun sangha. East side of this town is famous for Kali puja. There are several clubs like Friends' club, coopers camp, Mahaprabhu sporting club, Beltala club, Sanghamitra club, Netaji sangha, D.L Roy institute organizing such pujas.other major Hindu pujas are celebrated as well. Rath-yatra is another big festival of the town. Every year millions of people from the town and nearby places come to see the rath, enjoy various rides and have fun during the month of June–July at the happy club maidan & swasthyonnati Math rath-yatra-utsav. Recently some local clubs have started celebrating Jagaddhatri puja. A Hindu festival called 'Dol yatra' is celebrated everywhere at the town. A village named 'Harinagar' is famous for 'kirtan', a gathering of Hindu religious people in a motive to know God Krishna, is very popular. The Christian community celebrates Christmas at Begopara Church outside the main township. It is one of the most beautiful churches of Bengal(probably 3rd largest). During Christmas, people from all religions join the party. Moreover, there is a famous mosque at Nasra-para, outskirt of the town. Hindu-Muslim-Christians are living together in good harmony and peace.