Nayabad Mosque & Dhepa Riverbank
The historic 1793 CE terracotta mosque built by the master artisans of Kantajew Temple
Quick Travel Facts & Visitor Guide (2026)
Nayabad Mosque & Dhepa Riverbank is a prominent travel destination in Kaharole, Dinajpur, Rangpur Division, Bangladesh. The optimal time to visit is October to March for cool, pleasant walking temperatures and bright sunny lighting for photography. for a recommended trip duration of 1 to 2 hours (Essential companion visit with Kantajew Temple). Entry ticket is Free Entry and weekly off day is Open Daily. A beautiful 18th-century three-domed terracotta mosque in Kaharole, Dinajpur, built in 1793 CE by Muslim master architects who constructed the world-famous Kantajew Temple along the Dhepa River.
Overview
Nayabad Mosque (Nayabad Jame Masjid) is one of the most historically fascinating and culturally symbolic 18th-century Islamic monuments in Bangladesh, situated in Nayabad village of Kaharole upazila in Dinajpur district, along the serene banks of the Dhepa River, just 1.5 kilometres south of the world-famous Kantajew Temple.
Built in 1793 CE (1200 Hijri) during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, the mosque has a unique historical genesis. When the Hindu Maharaja of Dinajpur, Raja Ramnath, brought master Muslim architects, brick masons, and terracotta artisans from Persia and Delhi to construct the monumental Kantajew Temple, the artisans settled in neighbouring Nayabad village and built this exquisite three-domed mosque for their daily prayers.
Constructed of fine red bricks, the mosque measures 41 feet by 15 feet externally, crowned by three hemispherical brick domes and anchored by four octagonal corner minarets with fluted cupolas. The eastern facade features three arched doorways richly adorned with terracotta floral plaques, rosettes, hanging lamp motifs, and Persian calligraphy inscriptions.
Standing amidst tranquil bamboo groves and mustard fields beside the Dhepa River, Nayabad Mosque stands as an enduring monument to interfaith harmony and master architectural craftsmanship in Bengal.
History & Culture
According to the Persian inscription plaque over the central entrance, the mosque was completed in 1793 CE by the master builders of Kantajew Temple led by chief architect Ustad Rahmatullah.
The artisans were granted hereditary tax-free land (Nayabad, meaning 'New Settlement') by the Maharaja of Dinajpur in recognition of their peerless artistry.
Declared a protected national monument by the Department of Archaeology, the mosque has been preserved in its authentic 18th-century terracotta brick state.
Top things to do in Nayabad Mosque & Dhepa Riverbank
Admire 18th-Century Terracotta Relief Art
Examine the delicate 230-year-old terracotta brick carvings and Persian calligraphy over the entrance archways.
Pray Inside the Three-Domed Sanctuary
Experience congregational prayers inside the cool, high-ceilinged prayer hall beneath the historic brick domes.
Walk to the Dhepa Riverbank
Stroll down to the tranquil banks of the Dhepa River and enjoy peaceful views of rural countryside and bamboo groves.
Pair with Kantajew Temple
Combine with Kantajew Temple (1.5 km away) for an unforgettable half-day exploration of Bengal's finest terracotta architecture.
Video Guide: Experience Nayabad Mosque & Dhepa Riverbank
Watch cinematic 4K footage and essential visual travel highlights before planning your trip to Nayabad Mosque & Dhepa Riverbank.
Nayabad Mosque & Dhepa Riverbank in pictures
Curated photography via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licensing.
Highlights
- ✓Historic 1793 CE three-domed terracotta mosque built by Kantajew Temple master artisans
- ✓Symbolic testament of 18th-century interfaith harmony and architectural collaboration
- ✓Three graceful brick domes, octagonal corner minarets, and arched doorways
- ✓Exquisite terracotta relief plaques featuring floral vines, rosettes, and hanging lamps
- ✓Peaceful riverine setting beside the picturesque Dhepa River
- ✓Convenient location just 5 minutes (1.5 km) from Kantajew Temple
How to reach Nayabad Mosque & Dhepa Riverbank (Transport Routes)
Take a 25 to 30-minute auto-rickshaw (CNG or easy-bike) or bus north along the highway toward Kaharole / Kantanagar (approx. 20 km), then take a 5-minute rickshaw to Nayabad.
Located just 1.5 km south of Kantajew Temple, an easy 15-minute scenic walk or 5-minute rickshaw ride along the riverbank.
Best time to visit Nayabad Mosque & Dhepa Riverbank& Seasonal Advisory
November to February: Cool winter weather; ideal for walking between Kantajew Temple and Nayabad Mosque across rural mustard fields.
Year-round: Active and welcoming daily for prayers and visitors.
Where to stay near Nayabad Mosque & Dhepa Riverbank
Stay at hotels in Dinajpur town (Hotel Diamond, Hotel Diamond Residential, Dinajpur Circuit House) located 20 km away.
Local food & dining
- 🍽️Dinajpur famous Kataribhog fragrant rice dishes and beef curry
- 🍽️Traditional Dinajpur sweetmeats (Pera Sandesh and Roshomalai)
- 🍽️Fresh coconut water and tea from village stalls
Essential Travel Tips & Rules for Nayabad Mosque & Dhepa Riverbank
- 💡Remove footwear before stepping onto the brick-paved mosque platform and prayer hall.
- 💡Combine directly with Kantajew Temple; walk the scenic 1.5 km village trail between the two sites.
- 💡Best photography lighting occurs in the afternoon when warm sunlight illuminates the terracotta facade.
- 💡Don't leave Dinajpur without purchasing authentic fragrant Kataribhog rice and Pera sandesh.
Nearby Places to Visit around Nayabad Mosque & Dhepa Riverbank
Combine your visit to Nayabad Mosque & Dhepa Riverbank with these closely located attractions and scenic destinations.
2.5 km (SW)A beautiful, deeply historic 18th-century terracotta mosque located just a short distance from the famous Kantajew Temple.
11.4 km (S)Discover Ramsagar, a 16th-century man-made lake near Dinajpur crowned by a Mughal-era temple ruin. Wander the causeway, watch winter birdlife, and combine your visit with nearby Kantajew Temple.
15.5 km (S)Dinajpur Rajbari in Dinajpur is a historic 17th-century royal palace complex featuring ruined European-influenced palaces, Krishna temples, courtyards, and ancient water reservoirs.
16.8 km (S)An 18th-century Hindu temple in Dinajpur famed for its ornate terracotta panels depicting the Ramayana, Mahabharata and rural Bengal.
Curated Destination Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions about Nayabad Mosque & Dhepa Riverbank
Who built Nayabad Mosque?+
It was built in 1793 CE by the Muslim master architects and artisans who constructed the neighbouring Kantajew Temple.
How far is Nayabad Mosque from Kantajew Temple?+
It is located only 1.5 kilometres south of Kantajew Temple, easily reached in 5 minutes by rickshaw or a 15-minute walk.
Is there an entry fee to visit Nayabad Mosque?+
No, visiting the mosque and grounds is completely free.
Related Destinations & Travel Guides
Explore 5 interlinked destinations in Kaharole, Dinajpur, Rangpur Division& surrounding regions
The largest man-made historic water reservoir in Bangladesh, spanning 78 acres in Dinajpur, excavated in the 1750s by Raja Ramnath, featuring protected national park forests, spotted deer, and pedal boating.
A sprawling 150-acre family theme park, amusement resort, and cinema shooting complex in Nawabganj, Dinajpur, featuring artificial lakes, giant sculptures, zoos, and landscaped botanical gardens.
A magnificent 17th-century Mughal three-domed terracotta mosque in Atwari, Panchagarh, built in 1656 CE, celebrated for its French-Persian ceramic tile inlays, curved cornices, and ancient dighi.
An 18th-century Hindu temple in Dinajpur famed for its ornate terracotta panels depicting the Ramayana, Mahabharata and rural Bengal.
A beautiful, deeply historic 18th-century terracotta mosque located just a short distance from the famous Kantajew Temple.