Editorial: The Onset of the “Sheet” (Winter)
As the last traces of the monsoon clouds vanish and the Shiuli flowers give way to the crisp, cool breeze of the north, Santiniketan has officially embraced November. Following a historic October that saw the reopening of the Visva-Bharati campus to tourists and a grand Sharadotsav, the town has settled into its most creative season. This month has been defined by a surge in cultural tourism, the return of art festivals, and the palpable excitement for the upcoming Poush Mela.
October Recap: A Month of Revivals
Before we dive into November’s happenings, let’s look back at a vibrant October:
- Campus Reopening Success: The decision to reopen the UNESCO World Heritage campus to tourists in early October was met with overwhelming joy. Local artisans and rickshaw pullers reported a significant boost in livelihood after the quiet years.
- Tagore International Film Festival: Held immediately after the Puja break, the festival drew cinema lovers from across Bengal, showcasing a diverse range of short films and documentaries.
- Confluence 2025: The Industry-Academia meet successfully bridged the gap between Visva-Bharati researchers and corporate leaders, setting the stage for new funded projects.
What Happened in November 2025
1. Cultural Renaissance at Arthshila
November was a busy month for the arts, spearheaded by Arthshila Santiniketan.
- Film Screening: On November 21, the center hosted a special screening of “Dance of Joy,” a docu-fiction exploring the pedagogy of Rabindranath Tagore’s dance forms. Filmmakers Aparajita Ghosh and Souvik Dasgupta led an engaging interaction session with the audience, discussing how Tagore’s “nritya-natya” (dance drama) continues to influence modern choreography.
- Workshop: The “Matter and Material: Archives, Objects, Practice” workshop (Nov 20–22) saw participation from art students and historians, diving deep into the preservation of cultural artifacts—a timely topic given the town’s recent UNESCO status.
2. Jagaddhatri Puja & Raas Leela
While less frenetic than Durga Puja, the twin celebrations of Jagaddhatri Puja and Raas Purnima brought a spiritual glow to the town.
- The Raas Leela celebrations in the Kankalitala and Sonajhuri areas were particularly mesmerizing this year, with folk performances blending Baul traditions with Vaishnavite devotional music.
- Traditional clay lamps lit up the quiet corners of the Ashram area, creating a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the Santiniketan of old.
3. Winter Tourism Spikes
With the temperature hovering between a pleasant 19°C (night) and 31°C (day), weekend footfall at the Sonajhuri Haat reached record highs this November. The “Khoai” region was abuzz with visitors buying winter handicrafts, Kantha-stitch shawls, and enjoying the open-air Baul performances. The local administration has deployed additional traffic volunteers to manage the weekend rush near the Shyambati junction.
Looking Ahead: December 2025
The Road to Poush Mela
The question on everyone’s lips: What will Poush Mela look like this year? Following high-level meetings between the Santiniketan Trust, Visva-Bharati, and the district administration earlier this month, preparations are in full swing.
- Dates: The fair is tentatively set to commence on December 23, 2025 (7th Poush).
- Nandan Mela: Before the grand Poush Mela, the art-centric Nandan Mela is scheduled for early December. Organized by the students of Kala Bhavana, this event remains a favorite for collectors looking for affordable, unique art pieces.
- Christmastide: The Upasana Griha (Prayer Hall) is being prepped for the traditional December 25th service, a unique Santiniketan tradition that blends Brahmo and Christian prayers.
Stay tuned for our Special Poush Mela Edition coming mid-end December!