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Rabitirthabhumi

Santiniketan, one of the greatest pilgrimage sites in world literature, is the brightest name on the tourism map of Birbhum. In 1863, Raipur zamindar Bhuvan Mohan Singh gave Devendranath Tagore twenty bigha land in Santiniketan for just Rupees 5. In 1890-91 Devendranath Tagore established the Brahma Mandir for Brahma worship. In 1901, Rabindranath established a school called Santiniketan Brahmacharyasram, which in 1921 became Visva Bharati University. If you go around Visva Bharati premises you will see one by one -

Rabindranath Tagore's House

Shantiniketan Bhavan

Chatimtala

The Chatimtala, sitting on which Devendranath got comforts of life, joy of the mind, peace of the soul, has since been established as an altar. Though the Chatim tree can be found no more, still the altar of the Chatimtala retains its vivid existence.

Santiniketan Bhavan

The oldest building in the Ashram built in 1864 by Devendranath Tagore in the identical form of Jorasanko House is Santiniketan Bhavan. The Maharshi practised the 'Brahmo' way of life here. Rabindranath Tagore also used to stay here with his family.

Chatimtala

Glass Temple

Kanch Mandir

The worship temple founded by Debendranath Thakur is better known today as Kanch Mandir (Glass Temple). Ever since the establishment of this temple on Wednesday in 1892 at the initiative of Debendranath Thakur, prayer is held every Wednesday morning not only here but in the entire Brahmo Samaj (society).

Khoai and Sonajhuri Haat

Popularly known as the Sonajhuri haat, it is a pocket friendly shopping heaven under Nature’s own canopy for handicraft and boutique items. It is an open air market. The natural beauty of eroded red soil of small river Kopai which turned into an unique geographical transformation named Khoai is worth seeing. You will surely experience a memorable twilight here listening to the minstrels of Baul songs and beholding the natural beauty of Khoai.

Khoai and Sonajhuri Haat

Amar Kutir

Amar Kutir, founded by revolutionary Sushen Mukherjee, played a crucial role in the independence struggle of India. It had been a shelter of many freedom fighters. After independence, this cottage industry and handicraft centre was established with the idea of rural development and self improvement mainly at the initiative of Pannalal Dasgupta to boost up the rural cottage industry. Various leather, textile, wooden items are being made and sold here. It remains open from 10 AM to 6 PM everyday for visitors and customers.

The greatest festival which is organized every year at Santiniketan is the Basanta Utsav. Rabindranath Tagore himself conceptualized a new idea of observing this festival centred round the Holi festival. A huge congregation across the world takes place in this festival.

Basanta Utsav

Poush Mela

The Bramha Temple was founded in 1891, prior to that, Debendranath Thakur adopted the Bramha religious thought on 7th Poush, 1843 Bengali year. To commemorate this occasion, a three day long Poush Mela (fair), which is considered to be the most ancient fair in Birbhum, takes place every year.

How to reach: The place is well connected by railways from Howrah or Sealdah with Rampurhat bound trains. A long drive by car from Kolkata to Shantiniketan can also be taken.