Rustic tunes, the enchanting folk songs by Bauls, the collection of handmade goods under one roof – the traditional Poush Mela is returning to Shantiniketan after five years. This year, it will be organised by the Visva-Bharati authorities and the Shantiniketan Trust. After a closed-door meeting at Visva-Bharati University on Wednesday, the final decision was announced by the Public Relations Officer, Atig Ghosh. However, he mentioned that the support of the district and state administration will be sought for organising the fair. This news comes to the delight of the local residents and ashramik people of Shantiniketan. After finalising the blueprint for the fair, a meeting will be held with representatives from all levels, Ghosh informed.
The last time the Visva-Bharati authorities organised the traditional Poush Mela was in 2019, just before the pandemic. After that, the familiar image of the fair in Shantiniketan had changed. The influence of mixed cultures was visible. Last year, under the initiative of the state government, the Poush Mela was held at the familiar fairground in Purballi, but Visva-Bharati and the Shantiniketan Trust had no role in it. The field in Purballi was rented, and the fair lasted for four days instead of the usual seven.
Importance of Poush Mela to the local economy of the district remains immense. After Thursday’s meeting, Shantiniketan Trust Secretary Anil Konar said, “It has been unanimously decided that this year, the Poush Mela will be organised, and the Shantiniketan Trust will cooperate with Visva-Bharati. However, we will seek assistance of the state and district administrations for adequate arrangements for drinking water, electricity, temporary toilets and security.”
