SPIRIT OF BONHOMIE

The breeding ground of art, culture and dance - Shantiniketan in West Bengal was previously known as Bhubandanga, later renamed by Maharshi Devendranath Tagore.Rabindranath Tagore came here in 1873 and introduced the much celebrated Basant Utsav or Dol Jatra in the university campus.Come spring, and there's a air riot of colour in the air with bright palash blooms all around.As you step into Shantiniketan during Bas- ant Utsav, faint voices singing "Nil Digantey, Ore Bhai Phagun Legechhe" fill your ears from far away while abir smeared faces greet each other.Keeping up Devendranath they si with the spirit of the fes- tival, all the students and visitors dress in yellow and wear floral ornaments.The place res- onates with great energy of students and teachers bonding cultur- ally.In this whole musical madness, don't miss the saf- fron- clad Bauls - the mysti- cal fakirs of Bengal.They keep the festive spirit alive as they sing thought-provoking songs on their Ektara that speak of life and faith and Occ love in a distinct style.The you pulsating dramatic vibra- foe tions of the campus and thebei air resonating with melodies will leave you spellbound.