Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti

Ravindra Jayanti or Poncheeshe Boishakh as it is popularly called in the Kolkata circle is celebrated with much pomp and gaiety in Kolkata and West Bengal as a whole. The festival pays tribute to the great scholar and novelist Rabindranath Tagore. He is one of the very few Indian personalities to be awarded the Nobel Prize for his life time achievement as a novelist. This festival has gained a lot of popularity in West Bengal and beyond. The festival is marked by cultural shows and recitations from the poet's writings throughout the city. On this occasion Rabindra lovers in general and also other people gather. Interestingly enough even people from Bangladesh celebrate this event with much enthusiasm.

Ravindranath Tagore Jayanti will be celebrated on May 9, this year. It is also called as Poncheeshe Boishakh in keeping with the Bengali calendar. Description of Ravindra Jayanti Festival:

The city of Kolkata throbs with vibrant life forces and is a hub of cultural activities throughout the ages. The many fairs and festivals here are celebrated with gaiety and, enthusiasm. Though originally Ravindra Jayanti consisted of small groups, now it has gained the popularity of a festival. Cultural association in Kolkata and surrounding villages celebrate this day with programs of songs, dance and recitals. Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata participates with gusto in this festival.

Jorasanko Thakurbari where Rabindranath was born is considered as a heritage property in Kolkata. It is the main venue of all cultural activities during Ravindra Jayanti.

Rabindra Sadan premise is another important venue. Many of the writer's plays and dramas are staged here and people flock with great enthusiasm even to this day.

Rabindra Sangeet, the genre of songs named after the singer writer can be heard in all nooks of Kolkata on this special day. The function starts six in the morning and continues throughout the day.

Every year the museum in Rabindra Bharati University put on display all the articles that are associated with the poet. His manuscripts, glasses, family articles, and photographs are for all to see.

Shantiniketan in West Bengal is another destination that celebrated this occasion with equal fervor. It is the university started by Rabindranath Tagore and is famed to have trained many a famous personalities including Indira Gandhi.