When someone talks about the people of Shantiniketan, one must know that a part of lies within Bolpur, and most of the people living here are natives from Bolpur. Another part of the population belongs to the institutional group of people studying in the university, including many famous scholars and the people who grew up surrounded by the trees of knowledge. This town is known for its artistic and literary heritage, with popular scholar figures like Nandalal Bose and Rabindranath Tagore. Visva-Bharati can also be considered at the cultural center of Shantiniketan.
Shantiniketan holds the essence of old Bengali culture and has many festivals of its own, including those celebrated commonly in India but in its way. 'Holi' is a festival celebrated with colors; in Shantiniketan, it is celebrated with 'abir' (colored powder), dance, and music on the tunes of Tagore by students with the arrival of spring and is called 'Basanta Utsav.' 'Barsha Mangal,' songs and poems on rain by Rabindranath Tagore, are also celebrated and ghee festivals. 'Baisakh' is celebrated along with the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore and also is after 'Bengali New Year.' Nandalal Bose's birth anniversary brings 'Nandan Mela,' a special celebration for art lovers. 'Halkarshan' and 'Briksharopan' are celebrated to emphasize human's connection to divine nature.
Bengali Cuisine, Veg, and non-veg Thali, and Continental food items are famous here. There are many types of 'mishtis' and 'sandesh' to enjoy with delicacy.
