Poush Mela @ Santiniketan [Explored]

Tribal folk dancers with drummers at Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan

Images of Bengal, India

 

See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV

 

Destination : West Bengal - World Tourism Week / World Tourism Day (Sept 27, 2012)

 

Candid shot of folk dancers accompanied by the male members with drums at the mela ground

 

Tusu Dance

West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.

 

'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.

 

 

Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা

An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.

 

Explored on Sept 27, 2012 #216

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