Indo Islamic Heritage
The Nearest Bus Stand is the Raza Chowk/Khamtalab Local Town Stop, situated at 0.1 km, the Nearest Central Terminus is the Bhandara MSRTC Central Bus Stand, situated at 1.6 km, the Nearest Railway Station is the Bhandara Road Railway Station (BRD) (located at Warthi), situated at 11.0 km, the Nearest Major Rail Hub is the Nagpur Junction Railway Station (NGP), situated at 61.5 km, and the Nearest International Airport is the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (NAG), situated at 67.5 km from the mosque.
The Khamtalo Masjid stands as a highly revered house of prayer, a vital anchor for scriptural literacy, and an indispensable community sanctuary within the culturally vibrant northern sector of Bhandara. Situated near the scenic Khamtalab lake basin at Raza Chowk, directly opposite the Noori Masjid, this prominent mosque complex serves as a crucial socio-religious nucleus. It effectively coordinates the daily spiritual discipline, religious education, and neighbourhood solidarity for local merchant families, professionals, and resident communities across the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Historical and Religious Significance The mosque complex holds an important structural and theological position within the locality, anchoring religious identity and maintaining social cohesion within the expanding residential frameworks of the city. The Legacy of Khamtalab and Raza Chowk: The historical identity of the sanctuary is intimately bound to its geographic location near the Khamtalab lake basin. Evolving from a localised open-air prayer platform constructed by community elders to allow local fishermen, traders, and nearby resident families to complete their prayers without travelling to the older congested quarters of the town, the sanctuary remains a timeless anchor for daily collective worship. The naming of the prominent market square outside the mosque as Raza Chowk reflects profound ancestral respect, paying homage to the celebrated 20th-century Islamic jurist and reformer, Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi. Establishment: Meeting the steady post-independence residential density and rapid urban growth within the Dr Zakir Hussain Ward and Madhav Nagar extension belt, the permanent modern masonry structure of the mosque was formally established in 1995. Built completely through community-driven local funding, voluntary neighbourhood labour, and philanthropic contributions from resident families, the property features a naturally well-ventilated layout designed to handle regular assemblies safely. Sunni Tradition: Operating under the Ahlus Sunnat Wal Jama'at (Sunni) tradition, matching the deep-rooted theological tapestry of eastern Maharashtra, the mosque acts as the primary spiritual authority for the immediate local Jamaat. It maintains a highly disciplined and strictly punctual schedule for the five obligatory daily prayers (Salah). The Friday Khutbah: As a primary neighbourhood congregational venue, the weekly Friday Jumu'ah assembly draws substantial crowds from the surrounding residential blocks and commercial lanes. The sermons are delivered in clear, articulate Urdu, focusing closely on absolute monotheism (Tawheed), personal moral ethics, business integrity in the marketplace, family values, rectitude, and neighbourly civic compassion. Educational & Social Anchor: The mosque administration coordinates a well-structured evening Madrasa, ensuring that local children receive a solid foundation in Quranic recitation, classical Arabic phonetics, and prophetic history. Concurrently, the managing trust oversees localised philanthropic campaigns and charity networks to distribute food security relief and seasonal economic aid to underprivileged families residing in the district's peripheral sectors. Ramadan Observances: During the holy month of Ramadan, the complex operates with spectacular discipline and spiritual vigour. It hosts extensive nightly Taraweeh prayers—where memorisers recite the holy texts with great precision—and coordinates organised, neighbourhood-wide Iftar (fast-breaking) arrangements designed specifically to support local workers, travellers, and resident families. Location and Accessibility: The heritage mosque is strategically positioned near the Khamtalab lake axis, offering exceptional visibility for local worshippers while keeping the main inner prayer halls beautifully insulated from heavy marketplace noise. Traveller's Note: The Khamtalo Masjid features a clean, highly functional traditional architectural layout highlighted by a naturally well-ventilated main prayer hall, simple, elegant minarets, a striking central dome, and tidy, organised facilities for ritual purification (Wudu). Renowned across the local block for its exceptionally quiet, orderly, and deeply meditative environment outside of congregational hours, it provides a peaceful retreat for travellers and commuters looking for a space to reflect away from busy town roads. Visitors are cordially welcome for all five daily prayers, and traditional modest attire is expected when stepping inside the sacred premises.
Year of Built:
Address: Raza Chowk, Opp. Noori Masjid Khamtalab, Dr Zakir Hussain Ward, Teachers Colony, Madhav Nagar, Ganeshpur
Country: India
State: Maharashtra
District: Bhandara
Pincode: 441904
Longitude: 79.6458825896591
Latitude: 21.162546203148793