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Why Rabindra Jayanti Is Celebrated
Rabindra Jayanti is celebrated in a grand and culturally significant way in Bengal, especially in Kolkata, Santiniketan, and other parts of West Bengal.
Rabindra Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel Laureate poet, philosopher, painter, and composer who is a towering figure in Bengali literature and Indian culture. It falls on 25th Baishakh in the Bengali calendar (usually 7th or 8th May).
How It Is Celebrated
It is not just a day of remembrance, but a vibrant cultural festival, particularly in:
- Santiniketan (Visva-Bharati University): Founded by Tagore himself, this is the heart of the celebrations with processions (Prabhat Pheri), Tagore’s songs (Rabindra Sangeet), dance-dramas, poetry recitations, theatrical performances, and more. Students and teachers actively participate, dressed in traditional attire.
- Kolkata: Cultural organizations, schools, colleges, and government bodies organize events showcasing Tagore’s music, literature, plays, and art.
- Television and Radio: Special Tagore-centric programs are aired, including his songs, documentaries, and stage dramas.
Significance
- For Bengalis, it’s not just a celebration, but a deeply emotional and cultural experience.
- Even children in schools are taught and perform Tagore’s songs and plays on this day.
- Bookstores, exhibitions, and art galleries display Tagore’s works.
Santiniketan: The Cultural Epicenter of Rabindra Jayanti Celebrations
The most grand and iconic celebrations of Rabindra Jayanti take place in Santiniketan, located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. Founded by Rabindranath Tagore himself, Santiniketan is home to Visva-Bharati University, an institution that embodies Tagore’s educational and cultural vision.
On 25th Baishakh (Tagore’s birth anniversary), Santiniketan transforms into a living canvas of Tagore’s art, music, and philosophy. Thousands of visitors, including students, artists, scholars, and admirers from across Bengal, other parts of India, and even abroad, flock here to witness the celebration.
Key highlights include:
- Prabhat Pheri (early morning processions) with students singing Tagore’s songs in traditional attire.
- Open-air performances of Rabindra Sangeet, dance-dramas, and poetry readings under the shade of trees in the Ashram-style campus.
- Exhibitions of Tagore’s paintings, calligraphy, and personal manuscripts.
- Presence of cultural connoisseurs, government dignitaries, and international admirers of Tagore.
The entire atmosphere in Santiniketan during Rabindra Jayanti is charged with emotion, reverence, and cultural pride, making it the most soulful and grandest venue of celebration.
Outside Bengal
- Rabindra Jayanti is also celebrated by Bengali communities across India and the world — in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, London, Toronto, and Dhaka (Bangladesh).
In essence, Rabindra Jayanti is one of the most revered and artistically rich celebrations in Bengal’s cultural calendar, cherished across generations.