As spring is here, can a trip to Shantiniketan be far behind? – panthashala

panthashala

Just another WordPress site

As spring is here, can a trip to Shantiniketan be far behind?

As spring is here_BLOG BANNER

Living in Kolkata, you might not notice the arrival of spring so prominently as you can in Shantiniketan. It is like a blank canvas where nature splashes patches of bright colours during spring making it look absolutely surreal. The poetry and writings of Rabindranath Tagore, the most colourful wordsmith ever, were beautifully inspired by the wonder of the natural settings. He felt strongly about spring and the season brought out some great masterpieces from him. When it’s Holi in North India, Shantiniketan celebrates ‘Basanta Utsab’ introduced by Tagore, to celebrate the grandeur of nature that smudges all souls with jubilation.

For Tagore, it is spring when mind and body becomes one with Nature leaving behind the greys of winter and emerges all rejuvenated. Though the festival of Holi is celebrated all over India, at Shantiniketan it is a unique display of cultural magnificence and a joyous celebration. This is one of the best times to visit Shantiniketan. Also, people from all over the globe come at the university town during this time and it becomes difficult to get accommodation. You need to book hotels in Shantiniketan much prior to your visit. As most of the festival takes place in the university ground, it will be wise to book Panthashala, one of the best luxury hotels in Shantiniketan located near Visva Bharati.

‘Basanta Utsab’ celebrated at Sangit Bhavana, the music school attached to the Visva-Bharati University has evolved into a global festival. Dotted by colourful Palash and Shimul flowers, Shantiniketan and its surroundings become a riot of colours during this time. The vibrant hues of the flowers add to the colours on the otherwise red soil. With its distinctive character and style, the town prepares to welcome spring with vigorous enthusiasm.

The festival starts on the full moon night of Falgun with immense fervour and zeal followed by Tagore’s music, rhymes and dance by students of the university. Tagore never encouraged any religious festivals, but he always promoted festivals as the way to strengthen cultural bonds and that’s why he introduced a system of feting the seasons. Students, teachers and alumni of Visva Bharati University participate in cultural programmes accompanied by Sitars, Sarods, Tablas and Harmoniums to create a perfect musical ambience pierced by strong vocals of the performing artists. The students of the University clad in yellow shaded garments welcoming spring in their own unique way is a sight to behold. The students present the cultural program with Tagore’s songs and dance and drama which is outstanding to behold. Later in that day, everyone smears colour on each other and guests are too welcome to take part in the merrymaking. If you are there during ‘Basanta Utsav’ you will enjoy each and every ritual and find no difficulty blending in cheerfully with the spirit of the harmonious festival. Tagore always dreamt of achieving a cultural harmony through festivals and ‘Basanta Utsav’ is still carrying his legacy gracefully.