Bari Kothi, the heritage stay in Murshidabad, completes five glorious years and on that note, t2 spoke to director Darshan Dudhoria and co-owner Lipika Dudhoria on achieving this milestone.
How does it feel to reach the milestone of five years?
Reaching the milestone of five years is an incredible journey. However, I wouldn’t necessarily call it a milestone in the traditional sense. Milestones often imply the completion of a phase or project, but we are far from being finished. In fact, we are just getting started. When my co-owner and sister, Lipika, and I, reflect on our journey from the beginning to where we are now, there is definitely a sense of satisfaction. We have achieved what we set out to do in terms of proving our concept and showcasing our work. But this is not the end of our journey; it’s just the beginning.
In the earlier stages, Bari Kothi was primarily focused on proving our concept and demonstrating the potential of our heritage hotel. Today, we have surpassed that stage and have also proven our ability to deliver exceptional experiences and services. But we are not resting on our laurels; we are continually building upon this foundation. Our commitment to preserving the heritage and culture of the region, providing outstanding hospitality, and creating unforgettable memories for our guests remains unwavering. We have big plans for the future, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead. Five years is just a stepping stone toward our ultimate vision, and we are dedicated to continuing our growth and success in the years to come.
Over the years, what have been some of the most gratifying moments?
One of the most gratifying aspects over the years has been receiving compliments from our guests. When guests express their appreciation for our efforts and genuinely enjoy their stay with us, it brings us immense joy and satisfaction. Every time a guest accepts and embraces our offerings, whether it’s the experiences we provide, our community involvement, the delectable food we serve, the rich history we share, or the stories of our lives, it becomes an incredibly gratifying moment for our entire team.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you faced as a property?
One of the most significant challenges we faced as a property was bringing people to us, not because of our remote location, or because of our rustic approach to luxury, but because we were introducing a brand-new concept to the region. Bari Kothi offers a unique experience that Bengal, and for that matter East India as a whole, had never seen before. This novelty posed a challenge in attracting guests to come and spend their valuable time with us. Building trust and gaining the confidence of potential guests was a major hurdle we had to overcome. Convincing guests to choose Bari Kothi as their destination and trusting us with providing a memorable experience was a considerable challenge. However, with the blessings of the divine and the captivating energy that Bari Kothi possesses, we have been able to rise above this challenge. It is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of our team, as well as the positive feedback and support from our guests.
Bari Kothi boasts of a sustainable ecosystem...
What is sustainable? Something that lasts, something that does not end but carries on by itself — Bari Kothi was built on that idea. At Bari Kothi, sustainability is at the core of everything we do — its structures, its processes, its experiences, and its ideals. The end objective of the restoration was not to restore the building but to restore the soul of Bari Kothi. Hence, it was important to create a self-sustaining ecosystem where even if the main family is unplugged from the system, the local community can take the baton of carrying it forward.
Bari Kothi was restored on the principles of zero wastage, no plastic, recycling, and upcycling of old materials, and adaptive reuse. We promote sustainability through the adaptive reuse of a heritage structure, preserving cultural significance and reducing the need for new construction. The project also focuses on community engagement, training local people, and preserving local traditions. Sustainable design practices, such as energy efficiency, use of local materials, water conservation, and green spaces, contribute to mitigating climate change. These practices minimise resource consumption and create a healthier built environment.
When you first began converting the place, what was your vision, and how far has that been realised?
When we first started out, the vision was very humble — to simply host a few guests and showcase the Sheherwali culture. The Sheherwalis are a fast-dying community and to be able to save one Sheherwali palace would save a legacy for the community. However, as we progressed, our vision expanded beyond the boundaries of Bari Kothi itself. We realised that the model and concept of Bari Kothi had the potential to become something much greater. Today, Bari Kothi stands as a shining example of how an old property with historical significance can be transformed into a self-sustaining, economically viable project that contributes meaningfully to society.
We are driven by the belief that our work has just begun, and we eagerly embrace the future and all the possibilities it holds. Bengal has more than 100 dilapidated heritage properties and palaces waiting to be restored. The vision is to convert every single one of them into economically viable projects that serve the community.
The place has received many accolades...
Receiving accolades for Bari Kothi is an incredibly gratifying experience. It validates our efforts and recognises our madness, our passion, and our hard work, affirming that our vision and approach are not only appreciated but also recognised as a successful model. It enables us to think bigger. It gives us the confidence to make a statement that Bari Kothi is not a heritage hotel but is an idea, a working model that preserves and promotes the intangible and tangible heritage of its local area.
Describe a true Bari Kothi experience that patrons must have.
A true Bari Kothi experience is a Sheherwali Royal five-course meal — that explains the evolution of society, religion, history, and culture; all through 300 years and all through food! The Sheherwali community, known for its opulent lifestyle and refined taste, left an indelible mark on the region’s culinary heritage. The five-course storytelling royal Sheherwali meal at Bari Kothi beautifully captures this rich legacy. Each course represents a distinct influence, reflecting the changing socio-cultural landscape of the Sheherwali community.
Bari Kothi is thoroughly defined through its authentic guest experiences, which involve giving them a slice of rural Bengal. Storytelling features prominently in every single one of our guest experiences, where every wall and corner has a different story to tell. The cultural evenings resonate with Baul music and echo through the majestic walls. Our Tea on Ganges experience is one of our guests’ favourites, where they can witness the serene sunset on a quintessential Bengal bamboo boat!
With regards to F&B, what are some of the offerings that set the place apart?
One of the standout features is the Sheherwali Royal Cuisine, which showcases the rich culinary heritage of the Sheherwali community through authentic recipes passed down through generations. The melange of cultural influences — Rajasthani, Bengali, and Mughal and their Jain heritage bring a unique twist to traditional dishes. Embracing a farm-to-table concept, Bari Kothi sources fresh, organic ingredients from local farmers, ensuring the highest quality and supporting the local community. We have introduced a five-course ‘Bengali farmer’s meal’ to celebrate the effort of the humble farmer who blesses us with their produce.
The dining experiences go beyond the food, where no guest repeats a meal at the same location. From breakfast by the Ganges to lunch at our mighty Darbar hall to dining under the open sky at one of our courtyards, the experiences are myriad. Guests can immerse themselves in the culture through interactive cooking sessions, where they learn to prepare traditional dishes. The bar offers signature cocktails inspired by regional flavours, adding a touch of innovation to the dining experience.
The property also contributes to a lot of social development in the region. Please share with us what some of them look like.
Bari Kothi is dedicated to preserving heritage, empowering the community, promoting local businesses, and creating a sustainable and inclusive environment that positively impacts the region. We focus on the preservation and restoration of heritage structures, creating employment opportunities for local artisans and craftsmen while safeguarding cultural and architectural legacies. We empower the local community through training, employment, and skill development initiatives, preserving their unique cultural heritage. From organising Baul evenings to handicraft workshops, from guided handloom tours to hosting Bengal Haat, Bari Kothi has been a platform for crafting voices, and artists and nurturing talent. We have recently started welfare initiatives like the Bari Kothi Handloom Revival Project and the Bari Kothi Foundation. Under the umbrella of these initiatives, the daughters of Bari Kothi have become the flagbearers for Bengal handicrafts, contributing to sustainable fashion and a circular economy.