The Uttar Dinajpur Festival which takes place annually at Raiganj in the Uttar Dinajpur District of West Bengal highlights the rich cultural heritage of North Bengal through its performing arts and handicrafts. The festival is part of the Rural Craft and Cultural Hubs of West Bengal initiative, which aims to promote and strengthen the state's ICH-based craft and performing arts with the support of the Department of MSME&T and UNESCO. The festival showcases the traditional wooden masks that are an integral part of the Gomira dance and Khon, a traditional folk drama, both of which are performed in the surrounding villages of Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur such as Kushmundi and Krishnabati. These masks have received the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2018 and are highly sought after by collectors. The festival also features dokra (a native craft of Bengal involving non-ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique), pottery work and bamboo basketry.
The festival was held between 7th to 9th April 2023 at the playground of Sudarsanpur Dwarika Prashad Uchcha Vidyachakra in Raiganj, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal.
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How to Reach Raiganj
1. By Air: The nearest airport is in Jessore at a distance of 80km from Raiganj.
2. By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Katihar which is located at a distance of 55 km.
3. By Road: Take a bus from Kolkata to Balurghat. After reaching Balurghat, take another bus to Raiganj.
Source: cleartrip
1. Light and airy cotton clothes; Raiganj is typically very hot in March.
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.
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