Experiences
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Vishwabharati UNESCO Cultural Complex: UNESCO World Heritage site of Shantiniketan, the School (Patha Bhavan) and the University (Vishwabharati) founded by Noble Laureate Rabindranath is close (within 2 km).
Upasana Griha: Wednesday morning service (7 am) at Upasana Griha, comprising songs and recitations, at the core of the Shantiniketan Ashram. Not to be missed.
Sriniketan rural reconstruction centre: One of India’s earliest rural reconstruction experiments carried out by Leonard Elmhurst, under the guidance of Rabindranath Tagore. The Halakarshan Ploughing) and Vriksharopan (Tree-planting) festivals, both initiated by Tagore are unmissable. These two festivals are held sometime between 7 and 10 th of August every year.
Surul village and Rajbari: A nearby village that is host to the grand Surul Rajbari, the palace of the Sinha zamindars, where terracotta-carved temples stand as a testament to timeless traditions and artistic craftsmanship.
Srijani Shilpagram: A cultural complex developed and maintained by the EZCC
(Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre). An amalgamation of the works of various artisans is showcased here. Various cultural programmes are also organised here. The replicas of the traditional houses of the eastern states of India are a must-visit. This place can get bit noisy at times.
Sonajhuri Haat: A open-air marketplace where local artisans meet their customers face to face. It has an incredible vibe, although it is often extremely crowded, and the access road is often jammed by traffic. Understandably, the quality of products varies greatly.
Prakriti Bhavan: From enchanting driftwood sculptures to an open-air garden adorned with intricate rock formations, this sanctuary of natural beauty is a sensory delight.
Santhal Villages: Experience of rural beauty and unique Santhal tribal lifestyle, while passing by a gentle rural landscape, green fields, ducklings swimming into the pond, farmers heading for the fields and beautifully decorated tribal huts.
Kankalitala Temple: Devotees believe that the kankhal or the waist of Sati fell here making this temple a Shakti peeth. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti or Goddess Parvati but you can also find a shivalingam in the Shiva Temple. Furthermore, people come here to offer their prayers to the Goddess.
Palm sap tasting (December and January):
Enjoy pure, fresh, delicious, chilled date palm sap, extracted overnight in earthen pitchers. Visit one of the many wild date grooves in Shantiniketan between 6 and 7.30 am. You could also witness the process of making date palm jaggery / molasses (nolen gurh / patali gurh) from the sap. A not-to-be-missed, one-of-its kind experience in West Bengal.
Baul and Keertan performances:
Listen to an unforgettable rendition of Baul music by one of the Baul Fakirs, the wandering ministries of Bengal, and let your spirits soar. Baul music is inscribed by the UNESCO as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’. Similarly, listen to a group of Vaishanas (followers of Vishnu / Krishna) render soul melting Keertans (traditional devotional songs).
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Museum’s and Art Galleries
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Arthashila: A fluid art space for anyone curious about the arts, both from Shantiniketan and beyond. Probably the most happening center for art exhibitions and art related events in Shantiniketan.
GABAA: An artist led center in Shantiniketan – an independent space for interdisciplinary and research based engagement, collaboration and multi-purpose activities.
Gitanjali Rail Museum: Located just in front of the Bolpur railway station, this museum presents various facets of Rabindranath Tagore’s life
Krittika Arts Space: Shantiniketan
Nandan Art Museum and Gallery: Vishwabharati University Campus
Nandan Mela: Open air annual art festival of the Kalabhavan, marking Acharya Nandalal Bose’s birth anniversary (on 1–2 December)
Potthead Studio, Shantiniketan: A creative space that celebrates the ancient art of pottery by involving traditional methods of the art form, as well as infuses the clay with elements of modern day living.
Prachi-Protichi Art Gallery:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/santiniketan-gets-modern-art-centre-with library-cafe/articleshow/69625273.cms
Rabindra Bhavan Museum: This museum pays homage and acknowledges the life and the works of Rabindranath Tagore. From rare photographs to real-life incidents tracing his life journey and the receipt of the Nobel Prize, a visitor is led through the entire life of the Poet.
Shantiniketan Society of Visual Art and Design (SSVAD): A centre dedicated to the development, innovation and research in the field of visual art and design, headed by world renowned artist, Jogen Chowdhury. Facilities include an Art Gallery, Working Artists’s Studios (Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture/Ceramics), Open Air Theatre, Library and Archive and a Cafeteria
Somnath Hora Studio: Shantiniketan
Srinidhi Art Gallery: Gallery dedicated to exhibitions by local young artists and relates cultural events hosted at the bright and airy basement of the Srirangam Homestay.
Tokarun: A non-profit art space in Shantiniketan
Uthon: A collaborative art space in Shantiniketan.
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Shopping
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Alcha: https://www.santiniketan.in/alcha/
Amoli Shop: https://www.amoli.net/
Amar Kutir: https://www.santiniketan.com/tourist-spots/amar-kutir-shantiniketan/
Ankita Handicrafts (Kantha): https://www.facebook.com/Ankita.Handicraft/
HASA Pottery Studio: https://www.facebook.com/p/HASA-100063940849214/
Karukrit Art and Crafts Emporium: https://www.facebook.com/p/Karukrit-Art-Crafts-Emporium-100057480429154/
Lipi’s Ceramic Studio / Studio Boner Pukur Danga: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=e7ibOCg0u04
https://www.facebook.com/studiobonerpukurdanga/
Mrittika Ceramic Sudio: https://www.facebook.com/mrittikasantiniketan/
Sadaf India (Textile Studio): https://www.facebook.com/sadafindiasantiniketan/
Shree Ceramic (Studio): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063863722470