Basanta Utsav (Holi)

Festivals add colors to life. And, if it is Holi, the fiesta of colors, one may well imagine how it smudges every soul with happiness. The famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore introduced Basanta Utsav in Bolpur, or Spring festival in Santiniketan, Birbhum, to recreate the magic of Holi.

The joyous festival is now an integral part of Bengali culture. Celebrated differently, Holi or the Basanta Utsav at the Santiniketan make you feel romantic, pleasant, and very special. Owing to its own dignity, the festival lures visitors from all over the world. Participation by the students makes it much more delightful. Be a part of the vibrant festival to believe it!

When to celebrate Basanta Utsav in West Bengal 2024?

The Basanta Utsav is celebrated at the time of Holi. In 2024, it will be celebrated on 25th March 2024. So do visit Bolpur Santiniketan to be a part of this energetic and enthusiastic merrymaking.

How to Celebrate Basanta Utsav 2024?

As the spring comes, the entire university gets painted in different colors. Amongst the burst of colors, yellow takes center stage. Students of the university clad themselves in yellow-colored clothes. The sight of all these youngsters adorned in such bright-colored dresses is indeed beautiful.

The cultural program presented by the students is simply superb. Besides entertaining you, the spectacular performances render you in awe. Basanta Utsav gives students an excellent opportunity to reveal their talents, and thus, the function becomes enjoyable. Lovely songs appear euphonious to the ears, and mesmerizing dance performances are a visual retreat. Tapping to the tunes of great music in groups, students and the audience welcome the spring season wholeheartedly.

In addition to this, students together with their teachers and visitors apply abeer on each other to cherish the true essence of Holi. As a result, the entire environment gets filled up with a certain joyousness.

What is the History of Basanta Utsav?

Rabindranath Tagore founded the Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan. The serene town is nestled in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. Being no exception to the ethereal charm of Holi, he decided to add a new dimension to the festivities. Thus, he came up with an idea to celebrate the festival in this way. Also known as ‘Dol Jatra’ or the ‘Dol Utsav’, the fiesta enjoys the reputation as the “Rabindrik Basanta Utsav”. So today, “Basanta Utsav” at Santiniketan is not only a Visva-Bharati University program or a local program but rather a grand fiesta.

Which Places to stay in Santiniketan

There are various places to stay in Santiniketan. Visitors can delight in a comfortable stay by choosing from budget-friendly hotels to homestays or resorts, depending upon their budget.

What are the Best Places to Visit Around Santiniketan?

• Amar Kutir – displays a number of locally made handicrafts
• Tagore’s Aashram – an ashram built by Tagore’s father
• Chattimtala – meditation spot of Tagore’s Father
• Deer Park – home to a naturally bred large family of deer
• Khoai Mela – a weekly fair where artisans from nearby places set up stalls

How to reach Santiniketan?

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is the nearest airport to Santiniketan, which lies at 139 km. If you plan to visit by train, you can deboard at the Bolpur Station, 2.8 km away. Santiniketan is easily accessible by road from Guwahati, Kolkata and Durgapur.