Shantiniketan

An International University founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore where the cultures of the East & the West could meet and mingle. Named Vishva-Bharati, the University represents Indian traditions while incorporating the best of other cultures.
Shantiniketan, the abode of peace, was initially an Ashram or hermitage founded in 1863 by Maharishi Devendranath Tagore. In 1901 his son, Rabindranath converted it into an experimental open-air school with just five students.

Another interesting feature about Santiniketan is its splendid sculptures, frescoes, murals and paintings of Rabindranath, Nandlal Bose, Ramkinkar, Bindobehari Mukhopadhyaya and others adorn the campus.

General Information

 How to get there

Air  
The nearest airport is Calcutta 213 km.

Rail
The nearest railhead is Bolpur, 2 km away.

Road  
Good motorable roads connect Shantiniketan with Calcutta 213, Durgapur 56 km, Sarnath 197 km

 In and around
The places of interest are mainly on the campus and have a distinctive feature of some of the best in Indian art and culture.

Chhatimtala
Here Maharshi Devendranath, the father of Rabindranath Tagore, used to meditate. Prayers are held usually at Convocation time.

Kala Bhavan
The College of Fine Arts & Crafts has an museum exhibiting sculptures, frescoes & murals and a library of art books.

Patha Bhavan
Now a secondary school, it is of particular interest as an example of the traditional `Brahmacharya Ashram'.

Prayer Hall
Founded by the poet's father in 1863, the hall is made of glass. Prayers are held on Wednesday.

Bichitra
Also called Rabindra Bhavan, a Research Centre and Museum where the poet's personal belongings, paintings & various editions of his works are exhibited. Sangeet Bhavan, college of Dance and Music. The University is replete with works on Art, Music and the Humanities.

Uttarayan Complex
The poet lived and worked in the Northern Complex consisting of several buildings as Udayana, Konarka, Shyamali, Punascha and Udichi. The Bichitra (or, Rabindra Bhavan) designed by the poet's son Rathindranath Tagore.

Festivals of Shantiniketan 

Maghotsava (February)
It marks the anniversary of the Brahmo Samaj and the Founding of Shriniketan.

Vasanta Utsava (March)
It coincides with Holi. The students, in colourful dress, dance their way into the Mango Grove.

Varsha Mangagal (Jul-Aug)
Cultural shows are held and a tree planting ceremony proceeded by Halokarshan (ploughing).

Sharadotsava (Oct-Nov)
An autumnal festival of song and dance before the University closes for the Puja holidays.

Paush Utsava (December)
The Calendar year comes to a close with a colourful fair marking the foundation day. Tribal dances (Santhali) & Baul singers are a part of the fair. Tribal crafts in silver and Dhokra metalware are popular with visitors