SHANTINIKETAN
ABOUT SHANTINIKETAN:
- Exceptional scenic beauty is considered to be the epitome of Bengali intellect and culture.
- In 1863 Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, father of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore started an ashram for yoga and meditation over here.
- Rabindranath began an exceptional ‘open-air’ classes in 1901 and named the school Shantiniketan or the Abode of Peace.
- In 1921 it become Visva Bharati University, which is now recognized as a great centre of oriental education and culture.
- The curriculum includes educational, cultural and other activities like agricultural, cottage industries etc.
ACCESSIBILITY:
- Airport : Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), 212 kms distance from Shantiniketan.
- Rail : Well connected with Bolpur Railway Station, 3 kms distance from Shantiniketan.
- Road : Well connected with Road.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Uttarayan:
- One of the frequently visited places.
- Rabindranath Tagore used to stay here.
- It was designed by Tagore himself.
Vichitra:
- Museum housed in this complex exhibits paintings, manuscripts, and personal belongings of Rabindranath.
Poush Mela or Utsav:
- It happens generally month of December.
- It commemorates the day when Rabindranath started the open-air classes at Shantiniketan.
- Rabindranatya and Rabindrasangeet programmes are the main attractions of the fair.
- Folk arts and crafts are also displayed here.
Vasantotsav:
- It happens generally month of March / April.
- Marks the advent of vasanta (spring).
- Colourful cultural programmes are held during this time.
AROUND SHANTINIKETAN:
Bakreshwar:
- 58 kms from Shantiniketan.
- It is known for Mahishamardini Mandir, a Shaktipith.
- An ancient Shiv Mandir near Papahara natural spring, surrounded by 250 smaller Shiva temples is another important pilgrim site.
- Bakreshwar is also known for its hot springs, rich in the therapeutic minerals.
Sriniketan:
- 3 kms from Shantiniketan.
- It is a centre for traditional crafts like, dhokra metalcrafts, bell-metal ware, terracotta clay crafts, weaving, kantha embroidery, batik and leather goods.
Kendubilwa or Kenduli:
- 43 kms from Shantiniketan.
- Small village is the birthplace of famous poet Joydeb, known for his work ‘Gita Govinda’.
- The original spiritual home of Bengal’s Baul music.
- During the annual Kenduli Mela (mid of December), a large number of Baul falk singers and pilgrims assemble here.
- Another important festival celebrated here is the Makar Sankranti (January).
For more information visit https://wbtourism.gov.in/