Shantiniketan

Last weekend, I went on a much-needed break to Shantiniketan. I loved the whole trip and the images of the Bengal countryside are vivid in my imagination. The train journey was comfortable and i was lucky to have a window seat all through the passage. From Howrah, the urban polluted landscape made way for the carpet of lush green paddy fields that was like an eye balm for my sore eyes. Disembarking at the Bolpur station, one is immediately accosted by the dry heat that burns your skin. Barely managing to cling on to my luggage, the rickshaw ride takes you from the hustle bustle of the town to the peaceful environs of Shantiniketan. It is quintessentially a small town, with a heart that you can bury your soul in. It's earthy, warm and true to life.

Reaching the hotel and after a rushed meal, we hit the dirt track for some serious culture shopping. All along the way, a sense of calm overcomes you and all the worries that afflict sad city-slickers like me seem to magically fade away. The Bengal countryside can awaken the budding poet in anyone; from singing peans about the beauty of a full-bloom Palash flower to the patriotic fervour of Desh ki Dharti. Life becomes about the simple joys of life and about inner peace.

The two-day trip was jam packed with visits to Rabindra Bhavan, Vishwa Bharati campus (Patha Bhavan, Kala Bhavan, Sangeet Bhavan), Sriniketan, Srijani....But my favourite part of the journey was sitting on the banks of Kopai with the cool breeze blowing and listening to the mesmerising music of the local Baul singer. I also revelled in the experience of walking in the shadow of the moonlight. It was surreal, with no human habitation all around and only the twinkling stars under the night sky for company. Absolute and pure magic.

Shantiniketan has renewed my spirit in doing something creative and in settling down to the rural/rustic life in the future. This is my calling and I'm happy i found it here and nowhere else in the world.