Cooch Behar, once ruled by the British through the esteemed Koch Kings such as Jagaddipendra Narayan, has a long and distinguished history. Since before 1885, this ancient municipal town was thoughtfully planned by the royal rulers. The water supply system, street lighting, pucca drains, and wide road networks—introduced during the King’s era—have been continuously modernized over time, yet the charm of the original natural landscape has gradually diminished.
Over time these civic facilities have been modernised by the Municipality and the State Government, yet the town still reflects its royal past in its layout, open spaces and landmark buildings
The growth of Cooch Behar as an organised town began under the enlightened rule of the Koch Kings, including Maharaja Nripendra Narayan and Maharaja Jagaddipendra Narayan. With their vision, Cooch Behar emerged as a centre of administration, education and culture in this part of the country. The early municipal system, road network and drainage pattern introduced during their time still influence the development pattern of the town.
After independence, Cooch Behar became part of the State of West Bengal. Cooch Behar Municipality, as the urban local body, has continued the tradition of planned growth by upgrading civic services, improving roads, strengthening water supply and sanitation, and taking up new infrastructure projects while respecting the heritage character of the town.
The town is dotted with heritage buildings that reflect a blend of European and traditional architectural styles. Important landmarks include:
Ras Mela is the most ancient and traditional of all fairs. Every year even when the festive mood of the bygone Durga Puja still lingers in our minds, people of Cooch Behar get set to celebrate the Ras Yatra of Sri Sri Madan Mohan Thakur. Ras mela celebrations commence from the auspicious day of Purnima in the month of Kartik according to Bengali calendar.
Though there is enough controversy regarding the beginning of this fair, its origin can be traced back during the rule of the 17th King of Cooch Behar, i.e. Maharaja Harendra Narayan, during 1783-1839. This Raas Mela is being celebrated first at Vetaguri, then at the Madan Mohan Temple of Cooch Behar city adjacent to Bairagi Dighi and afterwards from 1912 at the Parade Ground or the present Ras Mela Ground.
The local Municipality conducts this Ras Mela at Rasmela ground and the Debuttor Trust Board conducts the fair at the temple compound. Many devotees along with sellers from all over Bengal and adjacent states including Nepal and Bhutan throng this place during this fair.
Another feature is that not only people of all creed & religion join this fair, but even the revolving Raas-Chakra (a tall semi-cylindrical like structure made out of paper and bamboo/posts) at the temple lawn is being beautifully decorated over generations by a Muslim family. This Raas-Chakra is beautifully decorated with paper floral designs and different pictures of Sri Krishna are pasted all over. This traditional fair takes place for at least continuous fifteen days.
Cooch Behar Municipality is committed to protecting this legacy while meeting the needs of a growing urban population. Restoration of heritage buildings, improvement of traditional bazaars and neighbourhoods, conservation of ponds and green areas, and introduction of modern e-governance services are all part of our long-term vision.
By balancing heritage conservation with modern urban services, we aim to ensure that Cooch Behar remains a liveable, vibrant and historically rich town for future generations.