Birbhum

Visva Bharati University, a public central university, and an institution of national importance is located in Shantiniketan. It was founded by the Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The origins of the university date back to 1901 when Rabindranath established a co-educational school inside the premises of his father Debendranath’s Brahmacharya Ashram. It later came to be known as Patha Bhavan. After Rabindranath won the Nobel Prize in 1913, the prestige of Shantiniketan increased multi-fold. The school was expanded into a university and named Visva-Bharati University. Rabindranath Tagore believed in open air education, in a natural environment, rather than teaching within four walls of a room. He believed that the walls represent the conditioning of mind. Furthermore, averted by the western method of education, and modeled the school on the lines of ancient Gurukul system. Tagore envisioned a center of learning which would have the best of both the east and the west. Today, the university attracts several students and visitors. There are few must visit places in the university campus which are: (i) Chhatim-Tala: This is a serene open place where Debendranath Tagore used to meditate in his initial days. (ii) Upasana-Ghiha (prayer Hall): This hall was built around 1863 with multi-colored Belgium glass & marble steps on the four sides. (iii) Kala Bhaban: The visitors are not allowed to enter inside the building but mesmerizing painting on the wall of the building can be witnessed from outside. (iv) China Bhaban. (v) Viswa-Bharati School. (vi) Museum on Tagore Life etc. Biswa Bharati had been declared as 'Central University' and with a national importance in 1951.

Poush Mela is the most remarkable annual fair of Birbhum and is celebrated with great pomp and splendor at the Shantiniketan Mela Grounds to mark the foundation day of Shantiniketan. It emanates the essence of the great Bengali culture and attracts visitors from all around the world. The fair takes place for a week and lights up the entire region vigorously with Baul musicians, Tribal dancers, and local village artists. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush, the carnival set marks the beginning of the harvest season.

Baul and Fakirs, also referred as the wandering minstrels and mystics of Bengal are known through their enchanting and enigmatic songs to express their spiritual beliefs . The districts of Murshidabad , Nadia, Bankura, Bardhaman, Birbhum are traditionally the principal centers of Baul Fakir culture. Their singing is accompanied by a musical instrument called ‘ektara’. Elements of Sufi and Vaishnav philosophy primarily combine their belief system. This Baul song has become quite popular and has received national recognition as well.

Nanoor, a small village in Birbhum district has been slowly emerged as a hub of ‘Kantha making’. Kantha embroidery involves stitching together layers of old clothing such as saris dhotis and other cloth scraps to create a new piece of fabric. Recently it has gain prominence and popularity as decorative art form. This embroidery is characterized by simple, running stich in creating intricate patterns and design. It is now widely used to embroider sarees, bed covers, utility products like bags, dress material for both men and women etc. This intricate stitching art has opened up new avenues for rural women to support their families financially.

On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Tusu dance is performed in Birbhum. Tusu dance is basically celebrated marking the arrival of an auspicious season. In month of Poush, groups of girls travel to the riverside every evening to sing and perform dances. This elegant form of dance creates a wonderful atmosphere, when combined with a good Tusu music. They worship clay and cow dung idol of Goddess Tusu.