Shantiniketan The Place Of Peace And Serenity

Shantiniketan The Place Of Peace And Serenity

Land of Rabindranath Tagore

The Bengali word "Shantiniketan" meaning is 'abode of peace'. It is the place of peace and calmness, a lonely planet in the arms of nature. Shantiniketan is an authentic nerve center of Bengali's art and culture. A region near Bolpur, in Birvum district, West Bengal, India. Roughly 160 kilometers north from Kolkata. The most important thing is the mindset anyone should do before voyaging out for Shantiniketan, a place of peace of mind. This is the place where Rabindranath Tagore was born and established a school called Pathavabana and an ashram called Brahmacharya Ashram, he set up a whole new education system in Indian educational history.

Outdoor classes in Visva-Bharati campus

Whose perception became what is now a university campus called Visva-Bharat University. That interests thousands of tourists from all over the world each year during different times of the year. Especially during 'dol Utsav'. It is also known as Holi, a colorful festival for every Indian, and it's also getting popular among foreign tourists from all over the world. It occurs in March, and it celebrates the spring every year. In this season, mother nature shows its glory with various colorful flowers like... Palash, shimul, etc. Rabindranath Tagore introduced Dol Utsav in his foundation in Shantiniketan with colorful artistic programs. It concurs with Holi.

During Basanta Utsav

The main attraction of this place:

Other various reasons make Santiniketan a popular tourist destination for the people living in Kolkata. The other name of Shantiniketan is the land of Bauls (folk singers of Bengal). You can enjoy the performances of the local bouls in difference places of Shantiniketan. And you can enjoy the red soil of this place as the Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore did a long time back.

Bauls are performing

When you come to Shantiniketan you will relish enough of Bengali rural lifestyle, culture. The food is authentic Bengali cuisine.

Another central attraction of Shantiniketan is different haats and melas conducted by the local franchiser. Khoai er Haat (weekly market) is one of this, there you can find many rare handicrafts goods, handloom clothes, saries at a very moderate price. This haat takes place near Khoai region, in every Saturday, starts around 3 p.m. and goes on around till it's dark. Another very popular hat is Sonajhuri haat. in this place, you can get back the lost charm of Shantiniketan with the red soiled village roads, flawless forests, the khoai region, and the kopai rever, Tribal Villages. If you do not like the congested Visva Bharati area but wish peaceful Shantiniketan then Shonajhuri will be an excellent place for you. The place is between Sonajhuri jungle and Shyamabati Canel along with enough of greenery, and, besides, you get to experience the traditional Santhal dance performances by the local Santhali community. The all-over the ambiance of Sonajhuri haat is incredible and unforgettable, and it will remain in your heart for many years.

Sonajhuri Haat

Other festivals famous in and around Shantiniketan are:

1. Paus Mela - It occurs in November and by the Bengali calendar it starts in on the 7th day of the month of Paus.

2. Rabindra Jayanti - This is the celebration of Rabindranath Tagore's birthday.

3. Baul Mela - At Kenduli

Where to stay:

There are many hotels and lodges are available in Shantiniketan. According to me, the best option is to get accommodation adjacent to the Sonajhuri Forest. For all those people who want to stay away from the crowded places of Shantiniketan, want to get isolated with nature and love to enjoy its beauty. Sonajhuri luxurious homestay is a great choice, it is just a few yards away from the forest.

You can freely take a leisurely walk through the jungle to stretch to the Khoai region and Banerpukur Adivasi village. You also can roam in other nearby places like Kopai River and Ballavpur forest.

Santhal dance performances

Transportation

By Air:

The nearest airport from Bolpur-Santiniketan is DumDum Airport (Kolkata) approximately 213 Kilometers by road.

How to reach Bolpur Santiniketan by Road:

Some tourists prefer to travel by car, good motorable roads links Santiniketan with Kolkata 213 km.

Local Transport:

Buses are available from the Railway station and bus stand. Also, you can hire a car for viewing sight scenes.

How to reach Santiniketan by Rail: Bolpur is the nearest railway station of Santiniketan, just 2 km away from the main town. Many trains are available from Kolkata. Trains to Santiniketan from Howrah and Sealdah at a glance.