Destination guide
Kharampur Kella Shahid Mazar
খরমপুর কেল্লা শহীদ মাজার
On the bank of the Titas at Kharampur, Akhaura, stands the dargah of Hazrat Syed Ahmad Gezudaraj (RA) — known in folk speech as Kella Baba or Kellashah. Visitors say the courtyard feels like a fair — rows of stalls selling hot pitha, puri and singara, pickles, pure cow's milk and date-palm juice in clay pots. Qawwali voices and crowds of devotees — step into this centuries-old shrine and you feel it at once.
History & significance
Folk history says Kella Baba was martyred fighting Raja Achak Narayan of the Taraf kingdom; his severed head floated down the Titas, and local Hindu fishermen netted it and buried it — it is said their descendants still serve as the shrine's khadems. Some count him among Shahjalal's 360 saints. Another often-told account: the Maharaja of Agartala donated 260 bighas of land, one traveller reports.
How to get there
The train is easiest — get off at Akhaura station, then a short rickshaw or van ride. One traveller reports reserving an auto for the full circuit — Doruin memorial, Titas bridge, the land port and the shrine — costs around ৳350. In the monsoon urūs, devotees even arrive by boat.
Entry fee
No verified entry fee yet
No traveller mentioned a ticket; devotees offer nazrana or vow-gifts as they wish.
Opening hours & best time
It appears open through the day, but exact hours couldn't be verified — daylight visits are best.
Best time
The grand urūs falls in the monsoon — boats full of devotees, the whole place festive. On ordinary days, winter mornings are comfortable.
Traveller tips
Photography is not allowed near the roza itself — view it from a distance and respect the rule.
Don't miss the stalls selling pitha, date-palm juice and cow's milk.
On urūs days the crowds are intense — mind your shoes and bag.
Make room for worshippers at prayer times; modest dress suits the shrine.