visit

A chance to explore the rich heritage and culture of rural Bengal

Attend fairs and festivals in Birbhum, Purulia, Bankura, Nadia and South 24 Parganas this October

Are you already feeling the Durga Puja blues? Miss visiting pandals that opened a world of creativity in front of you. Or the vibrant fairs that had everything from your favourite handicrafts to food? Then, here’s your chance to immerse yourself in Bengal’s colourful and rich heritage and culture all over again. Coal India Ltd., along with Banglanatak dot com, is bringing Explore Rural Bengal, a series of festivals and fairs in the villages of the state. You can travel to any of these 16 villages in Birbhum, Purulia Bankura, Nadia and South 24 Parganas and celebrate their cultural heritage through folk music, folk dance, puppetry and handicrafts. The festival and fairs will be organised over the next two weekends of October. You can explore Kantha Mela and Santiniketan Mela in Birbhum, experience Chhau Utsav and Patachitra Mela in Purulia and shop at Dokra Mela and Wooden Doll Mela in Burdwan. There are more on the cards! So, pick your location and get going! For more details check out https://www.exploreruralbengal.com/

Dates: October 18-20 and October 25-27

Contact: +91 33 40047484 / 8420106396

— Jaismita Alexander