Shanthiniketan : A Serene, Tranquil University Town in West Bengal founded by Nobel Laureatte Rabindranath Tagore

ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री दुर्गायै नमः 

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Shantiniketan is a small town near Bolpur in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India. This town was made famous by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, whose vision became what is now a university town (Visva-Bharati University) that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

It is here that the great Rabindranath Tagore wrote many of his literary classics and composed soul stirring Rabindra Sangeet. His house at Shanthiniken is a place of historical importance.

Kala Bhavana, the art college of Shantiniketan, is still considered one of the best art colleges in the world.

Numerous social and cultural events taking place throughout the year in this town, have become part and parcel of Shantiniketan.

Some of the festivals of Shantiniketan are Basanta Utsav, Barsha Mangal, Sharodutsav, Nandan Mela, Poush Mela, Magh Mela, Rabindra Jayanti to name a few.

Of these, the Poush Mela deserves special mention, this being a major tourist attraction.It is a 3-day fair, starting on the seventh day of the Bengali month Poush(usually, last week of December). It fetches not just tourists, but also artisans, folk singers, dancers, and the traditional Baul from the neighbourhood.

Upasana Griha is the prayer hall of Shanthiniketan During evening service, candle is lit around the prayer hall, and it looks magnificent in the flickering light. Prayers are held on Wednesdays.

Deer Park is now a large  area with herds of deer and makes a natural bird sanctuary.

Please have a look at some of the beautiful pictures of this tranquil , serene University Town of India: