Holy Rosary Church Tejgaon
A historic Catholic church in Dhaka, one of Bangladesh's largest, offering a peaceful sanctuary and a glimpse into colonial-era Christian history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Holy Rosary Church Tejgaon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Catholic church in Dhaka, one of Bangladesh's largest, offering a peaceful sanctuary and a glimpse into colonial-era Christian history.
"One of the largest Catholic churches in Bangladesh, a prying place for our Christian friends."
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this place of worship. :dress:
Attend Mass
Sunday masses are popular, with thousands attending. Weekday masses are also available. :church:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Architecture
Explore the blend of old and new, with remnants of the original 1677 structure behind a modern facade.
Peaceful Prayer Space
Find a quiet corner for reflection and prayer amidst the serene atmosphere of this significant Catholic site.
Catholic Cemetery
Discover the historical Armenian tombstones preserved within the church premises, offering a glimpse into the past.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Respectful Attire
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this place of worship. :dress:
Attend Mass
Sunday masses are popular, with thousands attending. Weekday masses are also available. :church:
Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the historical cemetery and the blooming rose gardens. :rose:
Tips
from all over the internet
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this place of worship. :dress:
Attend Mass
Sunday masses are popular, with thousands attending. Weekday masses are also available. :church:
Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the historical cemetery and the blooming rose gardens. :rose:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe Holy Rosary Church Tejgaon as a historically significant and peaceful place of worship. Many appreciate its role as one of Bangladesh's largest Catholic churches and its serene atmosphere, particularly the well-preserved cemetery. Some note that it can get very crowded during Sunday masses.
"Prying place for our christian friends. One of the largest Catholic church in Bangladesh. Situated in beside of Holy cross school. We spend some quality time in our school days."
Probir Ghosh
"Holy Rosary Church is a Roman Catholic church in the Tejgaon area of Dhaka. Also known as Tejgaon Church and once popularly called the Japmala Queen Church. Each Sunday Catholics gather there for Sunday mass and thousands devotee join there.
Portuguese Augustinian missionaries introduced Christianity in Dhaka. In 1628, they established a church, called the ‘Church of the Assumption’, in Narinda, southern part of the Dhaka city. The second church of Dhaka was built in 1677 at Tejgaon.
The inscription on the pinnacle of the Church shows a date in Arabic numerals 1677, built by the Augustinian Fathers but many believe it was built in the 16th century. The Holy Rosary Church premises houses one of the two Catholic cemeteries in Dhaka.
Today, the original Holy Rosary Church is set behind the large modern frontage and contains the remaining well preserved and cared for Armenian tombstones."
Mamun Khan
"Holy Rosary Church is one of the oldest Christian installations of Dhaka, was established by Portuguese missionaries before the advent of British colonial rulers in India. There is a big open space in front of the church. If someone watches it from the opposite of the ground, it seems like a painted picture. While entering into the compound, firstly visitors will notice the Amal Ganguly memorial hall. There is a graveyard at the inner side. A big pond is also located in the east. A lot of blooming roses welcome the religious people from the garden also a statue of the crucified Jesus Christ."
Sheikh Fardin Oyon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located in the Tejgaon area of Dhaka, beside Holy Cross School. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing services like Uber or Pathao, or local buses that pass through Tejgaon. It's a well-known landmark, so most drivers will know the way.
While there's an open space in front, parking can be challenging, especially during peak hours or mass times. It's advisable to use ride-sharing services or consider public transport if possible.
Ride-sharing apps are very popular and convenient in Dhaka. They offer a good balance of cost and comfort for reaching Tejgaon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Holy Rosary Church Tejgaon. It is a place of worship, and entry is generally free for visitors.
The church is open for visitors outside of mass times. Masses are held daily, with multiple services on Sundays. It's best to check for specific mass schedules if you plan to attend.
You can attend Sunday mass, but be aware that it's a very popular service with thousands of devotees. Visiting outside of mass times might offer a more peaceful experience for sightseeing.
No booking is required. As a place of worship, you can visit freely. If you wish to attend a specific service, it's advisable to arrive a bit early.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
It's one of the oldest Christian installations in Dhaka, established by Portuguese missionaries, and is considered the biggest church in Bangladesh, serving over 20,000 Catholics.
Inside, you'll find a peaceful prayer space. The premises also include a Catholic cemetery with well-preserved Armenian tombstones and a statue of the crucified Jesus Christ.
Yes, the church's architecture and the surrounding gardens offer good photo opportunities. However, be mindful and respectful, especially during services.
Basic facilities are available. The church premises include gardens and a historical cemetery.
The Amal Ganguly memorial hall is located within the church compound and serves as a space for gatherings or events.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Tejgaon is a commercial and industrial area, so you'll find various local eateries and restaurants nearby offering Bangladeshi cuisine. For more diverse options, you might need to travel a bit further.
Food and drink are generally not permitted inside the main prayer hall of the church out of respect for the sacred space.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Nearby, you can find local eateries for family-friendly meals. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds and allow for a more relaxed experience. The church's proximity to Holy Cross School also means there are other family-oriented amenities in the vicinity.
🙏 Devout Visitors
Remember to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as a sign of respect. Arriving a little early for services is recommended, especially for weekend masses, to secure a good spot and fully immerse yourself in the worship. The serene atmosphere outside of mass times also provides an excellent opportunity for personal prayer and contemplation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Beyond its architectural history, the church is a vibrant center for the Catholic community in Bangladesh. It serves a large congregation, with estimates suggesting over 20,000 Catholics under its spiritual guidance. The church has undergone several renovations, with notable updates in 1714, 1940, and most recently in 2000, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The premises also house a historical Catholic cemetery, featuring well-preserved Armenian tombstones, offering a unique historical perspective for visitors.
Originally known as the 'Church of the Assumption' and later popularly called the 'Japamala Queen Church', the Holy Rosary Church Tejgaon is a landmark that bridges the past and present. Its location beside Holy Cross School in Tejgaon makes it easily identifiable. The church's grounds are adorned with blooming rose gardens and feature a statue of the crucified Jesus Christ, adding to its serene and spiritual ambiance.
Community and Worship
The spiritual leadership is provided by a dedicated team of priests. The church has seen long-serving parish priests, with current and past clergy contributing to its pastoral care. The daily mass at 6:00 AM offers an early start for those seeking spiritual reflection. The church's role in the community extends beyond religious services, serving as a gathering place and a symbol of faith for many.
Visitors are welcome to observe or participate in the services, provided they do so with respect and adherence to the church's customs. The atmosphere during mass is described as deeply spiritual, with a strong sense of community among the attendees.
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