Chowpal

He yearns for his village chowpal (meeting place) and fondly remembers the pleasant nights he spent in bhajan, kirtan, or folksongs with his village companions.

Source: wiktionary

The chowpal was and is the centre of all activities—social, religious and political.

Source: wiktionary

Towards evening they entered Daryapur where at the village chowpal sat a group of elders puffing away at their hookahs and gossiping... In their dress, habits and talks, gradually the new generation of children are following the city-bred people. The dhoti is being replaced by troussers. Every house has a transistor or a radio. The community chowpal attract every child for the TV shows...

Source: wiktionary

Chaupal (Chowpal). A shed in which the village community assemble for public business.

Source: wiktionary