Sunderban Mela | Festivals From India

Sunderbans, West Bengal

Sunderban Mela

25 Oct 2023 to 27 Oct 2023

The Sunderban Mela celebrates the diverse arts and crafts of the Sunderbans, a mangrove area at the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal. This festival highlights the unique cultural landscape of the region and is dedicated to showcasing the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)-based crafts and performing arts of the Sunderbans. The festival features various folk art forms such as Bhatiyali, Bonbibir Pala, Jhumur, shola work, Chau dance and Baul songs. Bhatiyali, a mystic form of folk music sung by boatmen while sailing down the rivers, has 150 practicing artists in Jogeshganj Block in the Sunderbans. Bonbibir Pala, a mythology-based folk drama, is practised by 18 groups residing in Jameshpur, Bali, Rangabelia and Jameshgunj. Jhumur, introduced by groups of migrants from Chota Nagpur Plateau during the British rule, is currently practiced by 17 groups in different parts of the Sunderbans, especially Jameshpur and Dayapur.

Check out more arts and crafts festivals here.

Age: Open to all

Hosting Type: In-person

Frequency: Once a year

Genre: Arts and Crafts, Dance, Heritage, Music, Theatre

Gallery

How To Get There

How to Reach Sunderbans

1. By Air: Nearest airport is the Netaji Subhash International Airport at Dumdum, Kolkata, which is nearly 112 km away from the Sundarbans. After arriving at Kolkata, one should take either the train or the road to visit the Sunderbans.

2. By Rail: The nearest railway station is Canning. It is nearly 48 km away from the Sundarbans. From Sealdah (Kolkata) there are many local trains to Canning throughout the day. From Canning, one can take the bus to Namkhana, Raidighi, Sonakhali and Najat from where motorboat services are available for the Sunderbans.

3. By Road: From Esplanade (Kolkata) and Howrah, one can get many buses to go to Namkhana (approximately 105 km), Sonakhali (approximately 100 km) Raidhighi (approximately 76 km) Canning (approximately 64 km) and Najat (approximately 92 km). Taxi services are also available from Kolkata. All the above mentioned places are in the Sunderbans region and have easy access to waterways.

Source: Department of Sunderban Affairs, Govt. of West Bengal

Map Link

Facilities

Family-friendly

Items & Accessories to Carry

1. Light and airy cotton clothes; Sunderbans 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.

Connect online

About Contact Base (Banglanatak dot com)

Contact Base (Banglanatak dot com)

Contact Base (Banglanatak dot com), established in 2000, is a social enterprise dedicated to using culture as a catalyst for sustainable, community-led development across India. With expertise in safeguarding and promoting intangible cultural heritage (ICH), professionalizing traditional cultural skills, and fostering sustainable livelihoods, the organization holds an Advisory status to UNESCO's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The organisation's work spans four key verticals. Art for Life (AFL) focuses on preserving and professionalizing intangible cultural heritage, empowering over 60,000 rural artists across India to sustain their traditions and livelihoods. Communication for Development (C4D) utilizes theatre to address social challenges and raise awareness on critical issues, including health, education, and the environment. Developing Entrepreneurship strengthens creative enterprises and supports women entrepreneurs, fostering economic empowerment. Finally, Responsible Cultural Tourism promotes inclusive, sustainable tourism centred on rural cultural heritage, enhancing community identity and pride. See the complete list of festival organisers here.

Contact Details

Website

https://banglanatak.com/home

Mail ID

banglanatak@gmail.com

Our Partners

Partners and collaborations of this festival

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