Newz Desk, Durgapur : Shantiniketan’s iconic Poush Mela is set to return in a six-day format at the Purvapalli grounds, with preparations already underway. On Thursday, an important review meeting was held at the Central Library conference hall of Visva-Bharati to discuss logistics, planning, and management for this year’s fair.
According to university officials, a significant decision was taken to ensure a corruption-free and transparent Poush Mela. For the first time, everything—from stall booking to final stall allocation—will be conducted entirely through an online process. This digital shift is aimed at eliminating irregularities that have often triggered controversy in previous years.
A crucial coordination meeting between Visva-Bharati authorities and the Birbhum district administration has been scheduled for December 11. State Minister Chandranath Singh, along with the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, and Sabhadhipati, is expected to attend. The meeting will finalise crowd management, security arrangements, fire safety protocols, and infrastructural support.
Notably, Visva-Bharati Vice-Chancellor did not attend Thursday’s meeting. However, key officials were present, including Registrar and Acting Secretary Bikas Mukhopadhyay, Principal of Palli Siksha Bhavana Binay Soren, several members of the Santiniketan Trusts, and representatives from various Poush Mela sub-committees.
The university has also decided that the traditional Poush Utsav rituals—an integral cultural component marking the foundation day of Santiniketan—will be conducted in full accordance with long-established customs.
With online systems being put in place and administrative coordination underway, Visva-Bharati aims to host a smooth, inclusive, and controversy-free Poush Mela this year, drawing thousands of visitors, artisans, and performers to Shantiniketan’s vibrant winter celebration.
Image courtesy@internet
