For most of us, Shantiniketan is the home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, whose influence on culture and education is still felt today. Bolpur, Shantiniketan is a pilgrimage centre for anything related to art, culture and literature. The atmosphere there is unique. One of the largest and undoubtedly most charming Holi celebrations takes place here.
Holi Celebrations In Bolpur-Shantiniketan
Nobel Laurete Rabindranath Tagore introduced Basanta Utsav or Spring Festival in Santiniketan (abode of peace). The Fiesta of colours smudges every soul with happiness. In Shantiniketan it is called "Dol Utsav" or "Basanta Utsav" and is celebrated with much vigour and joy! pic.twitter.com/PXfCFtbjUz
— India in Indonesia (@IndianEmbJkt) March 28, 2021
This is the most important time of year for the people of Shantiniketan and the students of the world-famous Biswa Bharati University, who are at the centre of all the festivities. Tagore himself introduced this as Basanta Utsav or the Spring Festival. Bolpur and Shantiniketan are renowned for their abundant artistic and cultural legacies.
Clad in vibrant yellow saris to celebrate the arrival of spring, the students plan and participate in numerous events that feature a lot of dancing and music. The soulful music of the Baul singers adds to the entrancing atmosphere and stirs the heart like nothing else. Shantiniketan honours its significance and the part it plays in Bengal’s rich cultural heritage. Shopping, singing, dancing, forming relationships with others, and dousing everyone in abir in a rainbow of colours are all involved. There is no other Holi event in the nation like Basanta Utsav. Only dry colours, also known as abir, are smeared on people because they are the safest and cause no harm.
Also Read: From Gourmet Gujiyas To Fine Spirits, 16 Best Holi Gifts To Pamper Your Loved Ones
Baul Singers Of Bolpur & Shantiniketan
Folk music , Baul song, Tribal dance , Basanta-Utsav – Santiniketan symbolizes values, mores, custom of Bengal and depicts the cultural heritage of India #VisitSantiniketan to regain your soul amidst nature @Krishanu_Singh @tathagata2 @keyakahe @vickyagarwall @TotanChatterje4 pic.twitter.com/8OH67KjcdI
— Arpita Chatterjee ( Modi Ka Parivar) (@asliarpita) July 19, 2020
A significant aspect of Bolpur and Shantiniketan’s culture and traditions is the Baul singers. They could perhaps be considered among the area’s most well-liked tourist destinations. There’s spiritual songs and love-themed music. They undoubtedly play a significant role in the Basant Utsav or Holi celebrations. The Baul tradition originated in Bengal’s rural districts, and Bolpur and Shantiniketan have produced many of the world’s most well-known Baul singers.
The ektara, dotara, and khamak are among the traditional musical instruments they play, and they are adept at transforming the festival into a well-rounded experience. Baul musicians serenade the gathering with soul-stirring melodies, transporting them to a realm of spiritual ecstasy. To guarantee a hotel room, people from all over the nation make plans up to six months in advance.
As the last echoes of Holi fade into the night, Bolpur-Shantiniketan stands adorned with the remnants of a day well-celebrated.
Cover image credits: X/prashantDocean; Wikimedia Commons