Murshidabad, capital of the last Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-daula, was a pre-eminent seat of culture and commerce until the rise of Calcutta under the British East India Company. To preserve and make people aware of the heritage and culture of the region, The Murshidabad Heritage Development Society (MHDS) has been holding the Murshidabad Heritage Festival for the past few years. The 2017 festival will be held over two days on January 28 and 29. Although MHDS is yet to finalise the programme, highlights will include sightseeing of the important monuments, heritage walks, crafts bazaar, textile fairs, cultural programmes and a chance to savour the unique Sheherwali cuisine.