Fairs and Festivals are like a breath of fresh air that provides relief from the drudgery of everyday existence. Indians in particular are very fond of mirth and merry making. The Kenduli Mela is a fair held in Kenduli, birth place of the famous poet Jaidev in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. Kenduli is at a distance of about 42 km from serene Shantiniketan, Rabindranath Tagore’s abode of peace.
The Kenduli Mela in Birbhum is most well known for the gathering of the Bauls, a group of mystic minstrels. They are the bearers of a unique musical tradition, who are identified by their saffron attire and distinctive musical instrument, the Ektara. They have the proud distinction of being included in the list of “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO.
