The annual Poush Mela, which has been taking place in Santiniketan, West Bengal, since 1894 will stand cancelled this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Father of noble laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore had first organised the fair in the year 1894. The cultural fair along with music performances showcases a wide array of Bengal handicrafts, handloom and artworks. Every year, it attracts people from far and wide. The university in Santiniketan founded by Rabindranath Tagore, Visva-Bharati, too has been organising the festival since 1951. Though Poush Mela got cancelled, the Poush Utsav in the varsity campus will take place this year, on December 23. Meanwhile, this picturesque beach near Kolkata will remind you of Gokarna.
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Santiniketan’s Poush Mela Stands Cancelled This Year
The annual cultural festival in West Bengal that takes place every winter in Santiniketan, the Poush Mela got cancelled this year due to COVID-19. However, according to an NDTV report, a member of Visva-Bharati’s executive council has stated that the Poush Utsav, in the varsity campus, which includes prayers and devotional songs will take place on December 23. The fair that takes place in the Birbhum district of West Bengal usually ends in three days, but some vendors continue putting up their stalls until the end of the month of Poush. Poush is the ninth month of the Bengali calendar that falls between December and January. The music and handicrafts fair attracts a large number of tourists from distant places who come to explore the splendid artworks and the enriched culture of Bengal. Also, here are 6 desserts other than rasgulla you need to try in Bengal.
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Visva-Bharati To Observe Its Foundation Day On December 24
According to the NDTV report, Visva-Bharati’s executive council member has stated, “We are not sure about getting the nod from the local administration in view of the COVID-19 situation. Most students, an integral part of Poush Mela, are not coming to the campus.” He added, “Keeping all these factors in mind, we had to take this unpleasant decision for public health safety,” The Poush Utsav in the varsity campus on December 23 will be followed by the observation of the foundation day of Visva-Bharati on December 24. The West Bengal Governor and the Union education minister will attend the foundation ceremony. Meanwhile, here’s are 8 things you must do when you’re in Kolkata: