Dariyapur Dokra Mela is an annual festival celebrating the heritage of the indigenous Dokra craft of Bengal. Dariyapur, a hub in Purba Bardhaman district, is celebrated for its unique Dokra craft, an ancient non-ferrous metal casting technique that has earned the Geographical Indication (GI) certification in 2018. Metal crafters settled in Dariyapur about 120 years ago, elevating Dokra from a household craft to a globally admired art form known for its simple yet rustic appeal. Dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, Dokra is one of the earliest techniques of non-ferrous metal casting. This ancient lost-wax method yields metal artifacts renowned for their captivating folk patterns and primitive simplicity. Each piece is created with a unique mold used only once, resulting in a distinctive antique finish that highlights the charm and individuality of every artifact.
Dariyapur is hosting a Dokra Mela from 25 to 27 October 2024 where the visitors can watch live Dokra metal casting demonstrations, interact with skilled artisans, and browse a variety of Dokra items, from functional pieces to decorative art. The local folk art museum offers a rare glimpse into antique Dokra artifacts.
Check out more arts and crafts festivals here.
How to Reach Dariyapur
1. By Air: Nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport & Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport, Andal, Paschim Bardhaman.
2. By Rail: Nearest railway station is Burdwan Junction.
3. By Road: Kolkata-Agra National Highway 19 (old numbering NH 2), covering a large part of the old Grand Trunk Road passes through this district. The other highways passing through the district are: National Highway 114, State Highway 6, State Highway 7, State Highway 13, State Highway 14 and State Highway 15. All the places of interest in the district are very well connected by road.
Source: purbabardhaman.nic.in



1. Light and airy cotton clothes; Bardhaman is typically very hot in April.
2. A sturdy water bottle, if the festival has refillable water stations, and if the venue allows bottles to be taken inside.
3. Comfortable footwear such as sneakers (a perfect option if it’s not likely to rain).
4. COVID packs: Hand sanitiser, extra masks and a copy of your vaccination certificate are things you should keep handy.


