Basanta Utsab In Shantiniketan: A Tapestry Of Culture, Tradition And Celebration

Explore the rich history of this festival initiated by Shamindranath Tagore and embraced by Rabindranath Tagore himself, showcasing a fusion of tradition, music, dance, and colourful festivities.

By : ABP News Bureau | Updated at : 24 Mar 2024 10:40 PM (IST)

Source : getty images

Basanta Utsab In Shantiniketan 2024: Holi celebrations vary across India, and it is known by different names in different parts of the country. Bengal celebrates this festival as Dol Utsab or Basanta Utsab, meaning 'the festival of spring'. Talking about Bengal, Tagore's birth place Shantiniketan has its own charm altogether during this time. In Shantiniketan, festivities are marked by culture, dance and music, and a whirlwind of traditions as it all culminates- at the lawns of Vishwa Bharati. Bolpur-Shantiniketan, turns into a hub of cultural activity withHoli celebrations that are unlike any other part of India.

Every year, on the Bengali month of Falgun, Basanta Utsav is celebrated at the Pathbhavan of Shantiniketan to welcome the spring season. Students of Pathbhavan gather together from morning to perform musical recitals and dance their heart out on famous Bengali songs that signify the arrival of spring. Students, tourists and everyone else immerse themselves in the spirit of spring, along the courtyard of Shantiniketan's Amra Kunja.

History Of Basanta Utsav In Shantiniketan

Basanta Utsav is a much-awaited event in Shantiniketan, preparations of which begin way before. The spectacle put up on the final day is a culmination of days of hardwork and practice as performers light up the town, garbed in bright yellow with flowers adorning their hair. This festival was started by Rabindranath Tagore's son, Shamindranath Tagore in 1907 as 'Ritu-Utsab', but was not held on Dol Purnima. Later, in 1923, Basanta Utsab was started in Shantiniketan and was organized in Ashram-Sammilani session on Falguni Purnima. The festival has been organized regularly since then.

After that, in 1925, Rabindranath Tagore himself celebrated the first Basanta Utsav at Amra Kunja on Shri Panchami and in 1937, on Maghi Purnima, the song 'Aji Basanto Jagrata Dwore' was performed during this festival. As time passed, the festival gradually aligned with the national Holi festivities, and this custom continues till date. Santiniketan now marks it as 'Rabindrik Basanta Utsav,' drawing in tens of thousands of attendees annually.

How The Celebrations Unfold:

The festivities kick off early in the morning with a vibrant parade, where teachers and students adorned in basanti (yellow) sarees and kurtas joyfully sing and dance to the tunes of Rabindra Sangeet. The procession makes its way from the university to the maidan (ground), where a stage awaits. The event attracts numerous celebrities, alumni, ashramiks (Visva-Bharati alumni who have resided in Tagore's Ashram on campus for generations), as well as locals, drawing millions of attendees from across the state, country, and beyond.

As the day progresses and the cultural programs get over, students, teachers, locals, and tourists alike join in a lively celebration, smearing each other with dry powdered colours called 'abir'. A number of celebrities, renowned singers, writers, and literary figures make annual appearances at the festival, participating in group singing and dancing amidst the cheerful throngs.

Baul singers form another enchanting presence in this festive celebration, serenading the crowd with songs of peace, joy, love, and faith as they play the ektara, a single-stringed musical instrument. This harmonious convergence of mystical ambiance and vibrant enthusiasm creates an atmosphere brimming with jubilation and elation.

Significance Of Basanta Utsav In Shantiniketan

The celebration of Basanta Utsav in Shantiniketan goes beyond the traditional festivities observed elsewhere in India. It reflects the essence of Tagore's philosophy, emphasising creativity, unity, and social harmony. The festival is not merely about throwing colours, but is a vibrant expression of the town's artistic spirit and cultural richness.