West Bengal's Santiniketan, The Town Of Tagore’s Vision, Joins UNESCO World Heritage List!

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has bestowed its prestigious seal on Santiniketan, a town nurtured by the genius of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Every inch of this town is a treasure trove of artistic brilliance and a fusion of ancient and modern sensibilities. Read on to find out more!

The Legacy of Rabindranath Tagore

Getting added to the UNESCO World Heritage list is a historic achievement for the town and its people, who have preserved and celebrated their rich art, literature and spiritual heritage for generations.

Santiniketan is a unique example of pan-Asian modernity, blending ancient, medieval and folk traditions from across the region. The town was founded by Tagore in 1911 as a centre of learning and cultural exchange. He envisioned it as a place where people could live in harmony with nature and each other.

The Influence of Santiniketan

The town has witnessed many artistic and intellectual movements over the decades, such as the Bengal Renaissance, the Gandhian philosophy, the freedom struggle and the post-independence development.

The town is also home to many renowned personalities, such as Satyajit Ray, Raja Rammohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Kazi Nazrul Islam.

The inclusion of Santiniketan in the UNESCO World Heritage List is a testament to its cultural significance and global appeal. It is also a source of pride and inspiration for all Indians who cherish their rich and diverse heritage.

How To Get There?

To reach Shantiniketan, the trains are your best friend, and Bolpur Shantiniketan Station is your gateway to the town. You can hop on any train that takes you to Shantiniketan from the Sealdah or Howrah Junction in Kolkata, and you will be there in a flash. The distance between Shantiniketan and Kolkata, the City of Joy, is 163 kilometres.

If you don't prefer train journeys, you can also treat yourself to a private cab to travel the distance. This way, you'd also be able to marvel at the beauty of rural Bengal from nearby.

Attractions To Explore At Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan is a beautiful town with many attractions to explore. Some of the most popular ones are:

1. Tagore’s Ashram:

This is the place where Rabindranath Tagore lived and worked for many years. You can see his personal belongings, manuscripts, paintings and photographs in the Rabindra Bhaban Museum.

2. Visva Bharati University:

This is a prestigious university founded by Tagore in 1921. It offers courses in various fields of arts, sciences, humanities and social sciences. You can visit the campus and see the buildings, gardens, museums and libraries.

3. Uttarayan Complex:

This is a complex of buildings that Tagore designed and built for his ashram. It includes a prayer hall, a library, a museum, a school and a guest house. You can admire the architecture and the serene atmosphere of this place.

4. Shonajhurir Haat in Khoai:

The Shonajhurir Haat is a lively market every Saturday from 3 PM in the Khoai area of Shantiniketan. This haat (rural market) is my favorite thing about the town. Local artisans and craftsmen sell their handmade jewelry, sweetmeats, sarees, batik and more. You will also find the terracotta figurines of Bishnupur here. The Bauls (mystic minstrels of Bengal) play their ektaras (one-stringed musical instruments), and the traditional music makes you happy!

The Khoai is also the most scenic part of the town. Once you start walking along the deep red trails that wind through the lush green eucalyptus forests, with the Ajoy River for company, you will fall in love with this place! It is heavenly.

5. Chattimtala:

This is a meditation spot where Tagore’s father used to sit under a chatim tree. It is also known as the “Garden of Peace”. You can relax here and enjoy the greenery and tranquility.

What Is Poush Mela & Why You Must Experience It at Santiniketan?

Poush Mela is a festival that celebrates the harvest season in Santiniketan, West Bengal. It is held every year on the 7th day of the Bengali month of Poush, which falls around December. The festival lasts for three days, but some vendors may stay until the end of the month.

It's a one-of-a-kind celebration where the earth's bounty is celebrated in abundance. It is a time to dance, sing, eat and shop with the people of Santiniketan, who welcome you with open arms and warm hearts.

Poush Mela is a feast for the senses, where you can taste the flavours of Bengal, from the sweet and savoury paati saptha to the crunchy and tangy pitha. What's more? You can also savour the aromas of the spices, herbs and flowers that adorn the stalls and carts.

In a nutshell, it's a joyous celebration of life where you can feel the spirit of Santiniketan, which is full of peace, harmony and creativity. The festival will make you happy, inspired and grateful for being alive.

We believe that Santiniketan is not just a town with a glorious heritage; it echoes India’s timeless creativity and diversity. It’s a pulsating hub of Bengal’s literary and sagacious cultural revival.

What are your thoughts on the same? Do let us know in the comments.

Also read: You Just Can't Miss These Historic Bonedi Bari Pujas In Kolkata If You're In The City This October!

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