Rabindra Jayanti or Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti is one of the most celebrated cultural festivals in West Bengal. Nevertheless, it is observed widely in different parts of India. People celebrate the day to pay a tribute to the great poet Rabindranath Tagore on his birthday. Rabindranath Tagore occupies a special position in the heart of the Indians. The Bengali community mainly observes the day on the 25th of Baisakh according to the Bengali calendar Schedule. For the Bengali community, the annual birthday of Rabindranath Tagore is announced as a holiday. On this day, people usually rejoice by arranging cultural programs in school, collages. Moreover, different committees come forward to pay some homage to the great poet by observing this special day.
Why Rabindra Jayanti (Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti) is celebrated
Rabindranath Tagore is more than a character for the Indians. He is an emotion; his masterpieces are not only praised in India but also in the entire world. There are enormous reasons for celebrating the day grandly. The first among all is his affluent contribution to Bengali literature. From a very early age of 8, he develops a strong desire of writing poems, short stories, novels. Some of his remarkable poems include ‘Birpurush, ‘Dui bigha Jomi’, Chitto Jetha Bhayshunyo’ and many more. Rabindranath Tagore is the pride of India. He was the first Asian to receive the Nobel Prize in 1913.
Not only prose and poems, but this well-known artist have also penned several popular songs. The collection of the song is widely known as the Rabindra Sangeet. Among them, the most popular ones are Megher Kole Rodh, Akash Bahara, Purano sie diner kotha, etc. Besides penning the song lyrics, he himself directed their music. His creations in music and literature enhance the field of Bengali literature. The songs of this remarkable person have never got old. Their significance is up to the mark even in the most recent times. The new music directors are working on the old melodious songs of the poet.
The greatest reason among all is his priceless creation of the National Anthem of India ‘Jana Gana Mana’. Furthermore, he even wrote the national anthem of Bangladesh ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’. Without him, India would have lacked the treasures in literature. Beyond that, his contribution during the time of freedom movement is extreme. He wrote several quotes and poems to place his opinions. All of them have now remained as a wealth.
It does not end here. The worldwide popular Satyajit Ray directed a great many films on the stories written by Rabindranath Tagore. Due to all these reasons, the birthday of this great person is celebrated across the Indian nation.
How Rabindra Jayanti is celebrated
Rabindranath Tagore has always fought through his pen and asked the Indians to stay united. So, people celebrate this special occasion united. Mainly The school and college committees proceed to observe Rabindra Jayanti. But for the past few years, the ruling authority of each locality took the responsibility of observing this day.
The day is celebrated grandly by arranging a cultural event. At the individual place, a beautiful stage is set to present the performances. There, a big portrait of Rabindranath Tagore is placed at the front part of the stage. Sometimes, the enclosing area of the stage is decorated with portraits of Rabindranath Tagore and placards of his written verses.
The event has to start following the garlanding of the portrait. After that, people of all ages present their performance for showing their respect to the great person. The most worthy part of the vent is that people of all religions and language dissolves in one unity while celebrating the festival. It is what the famous poet wanted in life, the unity of Indians. People indulge in singing, dancing, presenting the drama, etc as a part of the event.
The celebration is even grand in Visva-Bharati University, which the famous poet founded. People across the world gather at the university just to be a part of this celebration. Not only Indians engage in this grand celebration, but the foreigners also participate as well. Students who come to study at Visva-Bharati University gladly involve themselves in the cultural program.
Apart from that, several programs are arranged regarding the special day at Jorasanko Thakur Bari, the birthplace of the poet. Regardless to mention, several Media like television radio proudly telecast different songs, recitations even dramas of the famous poet.
The whole nation relishes the soothing fragrance of the fresh floral decoration and the rich cultural programs presented by the performers. The event generally runs the whole day.
Moreover, as a part of the celebration, people flock to the birthplace of the poet for an excursion. In recent years, people have found out a new way of observing the festival. Most commonly different local committees go out with processions. Different schools are undertaking the idea of taking out processions too. The main subject of the procession is highlighting the works of the poet.
Importance of celebrating Rabindra Jayanti
Rabindranath is undoubtedly one of the gems of India. His precious creations make us proud. People throughout the world praise Bengali culture due to their talent in art and literature. Rabindranath Tagore is the reason behind that. He is the pioneer of a new era of art. Though he is no more with us, he must remain alive through his contributions and creations. Thus, it is important to recall his memory and presence. So, every year, the Indians observe his annual birthday to recall his memory and pay some homage.
A man like him deserves this. He is the first person who points out the fact that the classroom must not be within four walls. It makes learning difficult. So, he presented the idea of teaching amidst nature. Following that, many universities arrange lectures amidst the green nature and beyond the blue sky.
Leaving all his contributions to the art, the man’s love for the nation is beyond expressible. He had always stood by his country in difficulties, he protested through his verses against the British bondage. He even leaves his prestigious ‘knighthood’ in order to protest against the Jalianwallah Bagh massacre. Thus, every year on this special day, people significantly celebrate Guru Rabindra Jayanti.
