Discover the rich history and heritage of Bolpur and Basanta Utsav
Bolpur, a municipality located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India, is renowned as an academic and cultural center of the region. Bolpur also serves as the administrative headquarters of the Bolpur subdivision. Within the Bolpur municipal area are Santiniketan, Sriniketan, and Prantik. Bolpur and Santiniketan Police station have jurisdiction over the city. Bolpur is the largest and most populous city in Birbhum district and the 28th most populous city in West Bengal. Bolpur is situated on the banks of the Ajay River and the Kopai (Sal) River and has been a significant human settlement for many years. Bolpur is well-known for Visva Bharati, the University established by Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore, which is located in the city.
According to a mythical story, Supur was the capital of Raja Surath, who lost his kingdom while on conquests but regained it with the blessings of goddess Bhavani. In gratitude, Raja Surath organized the sacrificial slaughtering of one lakh goats. The place where the sacrificial offerings were made was named ‘Bolipur,’ which later became Bolpur over time.
About 150 years ago, Bolpur was a small village located in the Supur Porgana region. Kalikapur, a well-known place in Bolpur, was the origin of the typical village of the past. At that time, there were no rail lines or developed roads, and paddy land was seen around the village. “Lalmati” (red soil) was ubiquitous in the area. Many villages, including Sian, Dihipara, Khoskadampur, Paruldanga, Goalpara, Ballavpur, Bandhgara, Surul, Supur, and Raipur, formed the boundary line around Bolpur.
The East India Company established the first railway line in 1859 when the Sahebganj loopline was extended beyond the Ajay River. Bolpur railway station was established in 1860. Along with this, court, police station, sub-registry office, etc., were established in the old Bolpur. After that, people started residing in the area. Christian missionaries arrived and founded a church known as the Mission compound. Paddy storage houses, stationary shops, grocery shops, garment shops, etc., were located on the east side near the Bolpur railway station. At that time, there were about 19 husking machines in the area.
Maharshi Debendranath Tagore founded a religious mediation center in Bolpur, and Rabindranath Tagore established Visva Bharati Viswavidyalaya in 1921. These were the main reasons for Bolpur’s massive expansion, development, and popularity.
The provincial names of Bolpur reflected its gradual development. Kachharipatti is located right next to the court house, Trishulapatti is the commercial paddy trading center, and Kalibaroarytala was the service place for Bolpur established by some initiative people. Netaji held a conference in the area, and Harisava stood against “Bramhopasana.” Every week, these two conferences were held in Bolpur. Religious advice was given by Bijaykrishna Ghoswami, Shivnath Shastri, Shasibhusan Basu, and others. Additionally, a prayer committee was established.
The climate in Shantiniketan, Bolpur, is moderately warm, with summer temperatures reaching around 35-42 °C (maximum) and winter temperatures ranging from 6-15 °C (minimum). Summer is experienced during March, April, and May, while
winter occurs in December, January, and February. Heavy rainfall occurs during June, July, August, and September, which are known as the monsoon or rainy season, with a dry and humid climate. Shantiniketan witnessed its highest temperature of 47.0 °C on June 10, 1966. The lowest temperature ever recorded in the area was 5.0 °C on January 15, 2003 (refer to the weather box below). The annual average temperature is 26.2 °C, and approximately 1480mm of rain falls per year, with 76 days experiencing rainfall. The area is classified as an “Aw” (tropical savanna climate) under the Köppen Climate Classification.
If you are planning a visit to Bolpur, there are several places you can stay, ranging from budget-friendly guest houses to luxury hotels. Some popular options include the Visva-Bharati Guest House, Hotel Poushali, Hotel Ratan Palli, Hotel Sonajhuri, Hotel Upasana, Hotel Tagore’s Abode, and Hotel Shantiniketan. All of these accommodations offer a range of amenities and are conveniently located within easy reach of the town’s attractions.
While in Bolpur, be sure to visit the Visva-Bharati University campus, explore the local markets and handicrafts, and visit the Tagore Museum, which houses a collection of personal artifacts and memorabilia belonging to Rabindranath Tagore. You can also visit the Nandanik Theater, which hosts regular performances of plays and music, and the Kalo Bari, the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore.
In addition to its cultural attractions, Bolpur is also home to several natural attractions, including the Santiniketan Deer Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, rabbits, and birds, and the Poush Mela, a popular fair held annually in December. The town is also surrounded by picturesque countryside, and is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Bolpur is a unique and fascinating destination that is well worth a visit. Whether you are interested in its cultural attractions, natural beauty, or simply want to relax and unwind in a peaceful and tranquil setting, Bolpur has something for everyone. So why wait? Start planning your trip to Bolpur today and experience all that this charming town has to offer.
Bolpur, with its rich history and cultural heritage, has become a major tourist destination in India. The city is a perfect blend of traditional and modern lifestyles, attracting people from all walks of life. Its breathtaking natural beauty, world-renowned educational institutions, and religious significance make it a must-visit destination for all those interested in exploring the diverse culture and history of India. The city has a unique charm that is unmatched by any other city in India. Its rich cultural heritage, ancient traditions, and natural beauty make it a unique destination for all tourists. With its pleasant climate, lush greenery, and peaceful surroundings, Bolpur is the perfect place to relax and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. Whether you are interested in exploring the city’s rich history, visiting its world-famous educational institutions, or simply enjoying its natural beauty, Bolpur is the perfect destination for you.