Sonajhuri nest of Folk and Boul at Bolpur

One of the oldest villages in the district is Kundola and its contribution in the field of culture is unparalleled.It reached its highest stage in yatra,theatre.The Zamindars used to spend a lot of money for upholding the cultural fame of this village.Many concrete stages are the witness of this.This is supposed to be the only village in the district where a separate primary school for the girls was set up by the Zamindars.

Baul singers at Santiniketan

The bauls of Birbhum, their philosophy and their songs form a notable representation of the folk culture of the district. Birbhum has also been home to kabiyals, kirtaniyas and other folk culture groups^.

The numerous fairs in Birbhum start with Poush Mela at Santiniketan and follows through the Bengali month of Poush till Makar Sankranti. Particularly lively is the fair at Jaydev Kenduli.Various festivities are organized across the seasons.People of Birbhum patronise folk entertainment programmes such as jatra, kavigan and alkap.

Many poets were born in this district, as for example, Chandidas (Rami). In addition to being a confluence of Vaishnava, Shakta and Saiva cultures, Birbhum villages also observe prehistoric customs like worship of gramdevta (gram means village and devta means deity) in many forms at different places.

Amongst the major attractions of Birbhum are Bakreshwar, Tarapith and Patharchapuri. Birbhum has many old temples, such as the ones at Jaydev Kenduli, Surul and Nanoor, with delicate decorative tiles made of terra cotta (burnt clay).

West Bengal's culture is distinguished by its festivals, music, cinema, drama and literature. Being the land of Bankim Chandra, Rabindranath and Aurobindo, West Bengal is said to be the birth place of Modern Indian literature.

People of Bengal belong to diverse and ethnic social backgrounds. Festivals in a multidimensional scale are observed in spiritual ecstasy in the state. The entire state becomes lively during the Durga Puja (a Hindu festival) when the sound of Dhak, Dhunuchi nachh, the mild fragrance of Shiuli, gives a familiar tug in every Bengali heart.

Drama and theatre is an essential part of the Bengali culture. There are big and small theatre groups in various parts of the state featuring large outdoor stage plays.

Music and dances are also integral parts of the Bengali culture. Bengalis (people of Bengal) are closely associated with Rabindra Sangeet, Rabindra Nritya Natya (songs and song-dance sequences composed by Tagore) and Nazrul Geeti (songs by Kazi Nazrul Islam). Folk dances and songs are also popular in the city.

Bengalis are fond of Bhaat (rice) and Machher jhol (fish curry). There is a wide range of dishes and cuisines with variety of tastes. Bengal's wide range of sweets can live you quite winded. Don't miss the charm of Kolkata Rassagolla (a kind of sweet) while visiting West Bengal.