Orakandi Thakurbari
ওড়াকান্দি ঠাকুরবাড়ি
The spiritual home of the Matua faith, with temples to Harichand and Guruchand Thakur.
At a glance
- Where
- Gopalganj district, Dhaka division
- From Dhaka
- 145 km to Gopalganj by road, 4–5 hours by bus or car
- Best time
- winter (Dec–Jan) and spring (Feb–Mar)
- Time needed
- About 1 h 30 min
Times and costs are estimates from our planner and the prices we collected. Check before you go.
In the 19th century Harichand Thakur founded the Matua movement in Orakandi, a reform faith that drew many Namasudra farmers and rejected caste discrimination. His son Guruchand Thakur promoted education and social uplift for the community. The Thakurbari in Kashiani upazila holds their temples and remains a pilgrimage centre for Matua followers in Bangladesh and India. It is lively during festivals and quiet the rest of the year.
How to get there
From Gopalganj town or Kashiani, take a CNG to Orakandi.
Good to know
Remove shoes where asked and ask before photographing rituals.
Where to stay in Gopalganj
Common questions
Where is Orakandi Thakurbari?
Orakandi Thakurbari is in Gopalganj district, Dhaka division, Bangladesh. Gopalganj is about 145 km from Dhaka by road.
How do you get to Orakandi Thakurbari from Dhaka?
First get to Gopalganj, roughly 4–5 hours from Dhaka by bus or car. Then: From Gopalganj town or Kashiani, take a CNG to Orakandi.
When is the best time to visit Orakandi Thakurbari?
The best time is winter (Dec–Jan) and spring (Feb–Mar). Allow about 1 h 30 min for the visit.
More from Gopalganj
District guide →
Place Tungipara Mausoleum Complex
টুঙ্গিপাড়া সমাধিসৌধThe birthplace and grave of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, set in a landscaped village complex.
Representative photo Place Chanda Beel
চান্দা বিলOne of the country's largest wetlands, full of shapla lilies and fishing boats after the rains.
Representative photo Hidden place Floating Gardens of Kotalipara
কোটালীপাড়ার ভাসমান বাগানFarmers grow vegetables and seedlings on rafts of water hyacinth floating on flooded beels.
Food Gopalganj Rasgolla
গোপালগঞ্জের রসগোল্লাSpongy, syrupy rasgolla from long-established sweet shops in Gopalganj town and Bhatiapara.
Nearby
Tradition Matua Baruni Snan Fair
Gopalganj · মতুয়া বারুণী স্নান মেলাEach spring, Matua pilgrims gather at Orakandi to bathe, sing and celebrate Harichand Thakur.
Representative photo Hidden place ▶ Video Ulpur Zamindar Bari
Gopalganj · উলপুর জমিদার বাড়িThe crumbling buildings of a large Hindu zamindar estate in a village west of Gopalganj town.
Food Gopalganj Rasgolla
Gopalganj · গোপালগঞ্জের রসগোল্লাSpongy, syrupy rasgolla from long-established sweet shops in Gopalganj town and Bhatiapara.
Food Beel Fish
Gopalganj · বিলের মাছKoi, shing, shol and small fish from the beels, cooked in light curries with seasonal greens.