By — Dilip Guha
Noida Kalibari hosted its much-awaited Poush Mela and Book Fair on January 10 and 11. Organised by the Noida Bengali Cultural Association (NBCA), the two-day celebration transformed the temple complex into a vibrant “mini-Shantiniketan,” drawing large crowds eager to reconnect with Bengal’s cultural soul.
Rooted in a tradition dating back to the late 19th century, Poush Mela was originally conceived at Shantiniketan by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore to celebrate the harvest season and promote rural artisanship. Over the decades, it evolved into a cultural landmark—an organic blend of literature, music, crafts, and community life. That legacy resonated strongly at Noida Kalibari, where the spirit of Bengal unfolded in full splendour.
From morning until late evening, the grounds buzzed with activity. Book stalls lined the pathways, offering a curated collection of classics, poetry, and contemporary Bengali literature from publishers in Bengal and Delhi, delighting avid readers. The cultural stage remained alive throughout the day with Baul singers, folk dancers, and poets, each performance echoing Bengal’s timeless artistic traditions.
Food, Fun and Festivity
Food, as always, was at the heart of the celebration. Visitors queued eagerly at the Pithe-Puli stalls, savouring traditional delicacies such as Patishapta crepes filled with coconut and jaggery, Dudh Puli simmered in milk, and steaming bowls of Gurer Payesh.
“I wait all year for this taste,” smiled Ananya Roy, a Noida resident. “It feels like home away from home.”
A major attraction was the Pithe-Puli Competition, where participants showcased their culinary skills and creativity, reflecting Bengal’s rich gastronomic heritage. The Master Chef Competition added further excitement, with contestants impressing judges and spectators alike through innovative recipes and presentations.
“The competition reminded us how food binds families together,” said participant Meera Banerjee.
Beyond food, the fair celebrated Bengal’s artisanal legacy. Kantha-stitched sarees, terracotta figurines, handwoven stoles, and handcrafted décor drew steady admiration. “Buying these crafts is not just shopping—it’s supporting tradition,” remarked Sanjay Dutta, a visitor from Ghaziabad.
Engaging activities ensured participation across age groups. A Quiz Competition encouraged learning and quick thinking, while a Drawing Competition for children brought out bursts of colour and imagination. Families gathered for lively Tambola sessions, filling the air with laughter and friendly cheer, contributing to a festive, inclusive atmosphere.
Evenings of Cultural Brilliance
The true heartbeat of the Poush Mela emerged during the evening cultural programmes, held on both days, which seamlessly blended classical, folk, and contemporary performances.
The second evening opened with a melodious Group Song by Spandan, led by Luna Purkayastha of Sector 45 Durga Puja, setting an uplifting tone. This was followed by a graceful Group Dance by senior students of Nrityangana Kala Manch, under the guidance of Smt. Vaishali Bhattacharya, a distinguished disciple of Padma Vibhushan Sri Birju Maharaj. Their refined abhinaya and rhythmic precision created a spellbinding atmosphere, earning warm applause.
Singer Smt. Seema Karmakar captivated the audience with soulful solo renditions, while young performers from IccheBitan, CR Park, charmed everyone with their Shishu Goshti presentation of Bangla songs and dance. Guided by directors Nabanita Chatterjee and Siddharth Bhadury, the children performed popular folk and Rabindra Sangeet numbers such as Poush Toder Dak Diyeche, Fagunero Mohonay, and Takdum Takdum Bajai Bangladesh-er Dhol, showcasing confidence, innocence, and remarkable talent.
The energy peaked with a dynamic Group Dance by Deb Kala Sangam, choreographed by Susmita Ganguli, followed by a soulful folk segment featuring Baul Sangeet and Bangla Lok Gaan by renowned artistes Sudip Roy and Hira Sarkar, whose performances captured the philosophical depth of rural Bengal.
A Celebration of Community Spirit
A defining feature of this year’s Poush Mela was its strong sense of community. Nearly 10 Durga Puja committees from across Delhi-NCR participated, presenting cultural performances and nurturing young talent.
“This year, we invited various Durga Puja committees across Delhi NCR, and the response was overwhelming,” said Anupam Banerjee, Vice President, NBCA Noida Kalibari. “Our aim is to provide a meaningful platform for local youth to express their creativity and cultural pride.”
Reflecting on the event’s success, Satyaki Guha, Secretary of NBCA-Kalibari, said, “Whether reconnecting with roots or simply enjoying a sunny winter afternoon, the Poush Mela brought people together in joy and warmth. It was truly a celebration of culture, community, and the blessings of Bhabotarini Maa.”
As dusk settled and the Baul melodies lingered in the air, visitors left with bags of books and sweets—and hearts full of memories. More than just an event, the Poush Mela at Noida Kalibari once again proved to be a living celebration of Bengal’s heritage, thriving vibrantly in the heart of Noida.
