Poush Mela

Every year in December, Santiniketan celebrates the Poush Mela to commemorate Rabindranath Tagore and his contribution to literature and higher learning at Santiniketan.

The mela is a meeting ground where one can witness cultural activities but also see a large collection of local artistic handicrafts and printed fabrics and experience the Bengali spirit in its true sense. An important feature of the Poush Mela is the cultural programmes. Programmes by eminent Rabindra sangeet singers, Baoul artists and Santhal dancers are organized to promote the traditional music of West Bengal.

On the inaugural day, the festival begins with a community prayer. After this, visitors assemble on the central stage in the fairground where the wandering folk singers, the Bauls, perform. On the second day, the university holds their graduation and award giving ceremonies. At the fair, the centre stage is never quiet - more Bauls and Kirtan singers perform; Jatras and folk theatres are also held.