Poush Mela
A Celebration of Harvest, Art, and Culture
Experience the rustic charm of rural Bengal at Poush Mela in Shantiniketan, a vibrant winter fair that celebrates the harvest season with folk music, dance, local crafts, and delicious food.
December 23-26 (approx.)
Day 1
Inauguration with Vedic hymns
Day 2-3
Folk performances & fair
📅
When
Late December
📍
Where
Shantiniketan Birbhum District
🎶
Vibe
Folk, Rustic, Artistic
🎨
Must-Buy
Terracotta, Dokra Kantha Stitch items
🎤
Highlight
Live Baul Music
About Poush Mela
The Quintessential Winter Fair of Bengal
Poush Mela is an annual fair and festival that takes place in Shantiniketan, West Bengal. Inaugurated by Rabindranath Tagore's father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, it marks the harvest season and celebrates the spirit of rural Bengal. The fair is a vibrant tapestry of colors, sounds, and flavors.
It is particularly famous for the live performances of Bengali folk music, especially Baul songs. Artisans from all over Bengal and neighboring states come to sell their wares, including pottery, dokra metalwork, pattachitra scrolls, and handloom textiles. The fair provides a unique platform for these traditional artists to showcase their skills.
Fair Highlights
What to Experience at Poush Mela
🎤
Live Baul Music
Listen to the soulful and mystical songs of the wandering Baul minstrels.
🛍️
Handicraft Stalls
Shop for authentic Bengali handicrafts directly from the artisans.
🎡
Rural Ambiance
Experience the charm of a traditional village fair with Ferris wheels and local games.
🔥
Bonfire & Music
Enjoy musical performances around bonfires during the chilly winter evenings.
Timeline of the Mela
The Events of the Fair
Day 1
Day 1
Inauguration
The fair begins in the morning with a beautiful procession and shehnai music.
Day 1-3
Day 1-3
Live Performances
Continuous performances of folk music, dance, and tribal art forms on various stages.
All Days
All Days
Handicrafts Fair
Stalls are open throughout the day for visitors to explore and shop.
Navigating the Fair
Key Areas to Visit
Main Performance Area
Central Ground
The primary stage where major folk music and dance performances take place.
Handicraft Zone
Outer Circles
The sprawling area with hundreds of stalls selling a variety of traditional crafts.
Cultural Elements
Key Traditions of the Festival
🎤
Baul Music
🎨
Tribal Arts
Fair Foods
Taste of Rural Bengal
🥞
Pithe-Puli
☕
Hot Tea
🍛
Bengali Thali
📋 Quick Planning Guide
- Event DatesLate December
- LocationShantiniketan
- Recommended Stay2-3 Days
- Book HotelsMonths in Advance
🚌 Transportation Guide
- TrainBest way to reach Bolpur (Shantiniketan) station
- CarA 3-4 hour drive from Kolkata
- Local TransportTotos (e-rickshaws) are the main mode of transport
💡 Essential Tips
- Accommodation in Shantiniketan gets fully booked months in advance, so plan early.
- Carry warm clothes as the nights can be very cold.
- Carry enough cash as network connectivity for digital payments can be poor.
- Explore the Visva-Bharati campus while you are in Shantiniketan.