23/12/2005

The annual three-day fair held at Shantiniketan. Beginning on the seventh day of Poush (following the Bengali calendar, usually falling on December 22/23), the event marks the foundation day of Shantiniketan. Mooted by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore as an ‘ashram’ and a centre for meditation, Shantiniketan catapulted to international fame through the open-air school and later the university founded by Maharshi’s illustrious son, poet Rabindranath Tagore.. Poush Mela is held at Santiniketan in the district of Birbhum. Of the many seasonal festivals celebrated at Santiniketan, this is perhaps the most important, with cultural programmes consisting of folk music & dance, folk theatre and Baul songs.
Bolpur, 2km ahead of Shantiniketan, is the nearest town and railhead from Kolkata. Although there are several trains between Kolkata and Bolpur, Shantiniketan Express is the most convenient. By rail, Shantiniketan is 136 km from Kolkata while by road, it is 214 km away. Road conditions are not ideal and hence better avoided. Kolkata is the nearest airport.

Day1:

Start from Kolkata by Shantiniketan Exp. Arrival at Bolpur station
and transfer to the hotel.

Day2:

Early morning visit to Shantiniketan to experience the cultural programme organized by Viswa Bharati. Afternoon visit the fair. Night stay at the hotel.

Day3:

Visit Massanjore. At evening enjoy the fair.

Day4:

Back to Kolkata by Shantiniketan Exp.