Poush Mela: Shantiniketan's winter fair
Early in Poush, Shantiniketan hosts its famous fair. A look at its history, what to see, and how to get there.
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History of Poush Mela
The fair opens on the seventh day of the month of Poush. Wikipedia says it has been held every year from 1894 onwards. It takes place in Santiniketan in Birbhum district, around the harvest period. (Source: Wikipedia, Poush Mela)
It was halted three times: during the Bengal Famine of 1943, on Direct Action Day in 1946, and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wikipedia notes it officially runs three days, though from 2017 it ran six. (Source: Wikipedia, Poush Mela)
What happens at the fair
The fair is known for live Bengali folk music such as baul, kirtan and kobigan. Wikipedia says some 1,500 stalls take part. (Source: Wikipedia, Poush Mela)
💡 If you want to hear baul singers and browse the stalls, set aside a full day. Agree a meeting point in case you get separated in the crowd, and keep cash and phone safe.
2025 and 2026
ETV Bharat's report of 12 December 2025 said the 2025 fair would begin on 23 December at the Purba Palli ground of Santiniketan and run to 28 December. It spoke of special measures to prevent pollution, and said the fair started again from 2024 under the supervision of Visva-Bharati. (Source: ETV Bharat, Visva-Bharati's historic Poush Mela returns with anti-pollution measures (12 Dec 2025))
As of 31 October 2026 we have found no announcement of the 2026 fair dates. This article will be updated once they are announced.
Getting there
Bolpur Shantiniketan station is in Birbhum district on the Bardhaman–Rampurhat section, and its listing also names the Howrah–New Jalpaiguri main line. Its station code is BHP, under Eastern Railway's Howrah division. (Source: Wikipedia, Bolpur Shantiniketan railway station)
💡 Trains and local transport get busier during the fair. Book tickets early, and check Visva-Bharati's announcements for entry or online booking rules. The 2025 report mentioned an online booking site.
Questions
- When does Poush Mela start?
- On the seventh day of the month of Poush, 7 Poush.
- Since when has Poush Mela been held?
- Per Wikipedia, every year from 1894, apart from three halts.
- When is Poush Mela 2026?
- We have not found announced dates as of 31 October 2026. In 2025 it ran 23 to 28 December.
- Where is Poush Mela held in Shantiniketan?
- In 2025 it was at the Purba Palli ground, according to ETV Bharat.
- How do I get to Poush Mela from Kolkata?
- By train to Bolpur Shantiniketan station (BHP), listed on the Howrah–New Jalpaiguri main line.
See also
Poush Sankranti 2027Poush greeting cardsPoila Boishakh traditions