Holi by the name of Basant Utsav is celebrated with fervour in the state of West Bengal. The tradition of Vasantotsav, meaning Spring Festival was started by poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore at Shantiniketan, the University he founded.

What is appreciated is the grace and diginified manner in which Vasant Utsav is celebrated in West Bengal as compared to boisterous Holi witnessed in most parts of India. Boys and girls joyfully welcome Spring, the season of hope not just with colours but with songs, dance, chanting of hymns in the serene ambiance of Shantiniketan. Anybody who got a chance to witness this elegant way of celebrating Holi in Bengal remembers it with fond memory for the rest of his life.

Description of the Vasant Utsav in Shantiniketan, Birbhum
Rabindranath Tagore was the founder of the Vishwabharati University in Shantiniketan, a serene and tranquil town in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. On the occasion of Vasant Utsav in Shantiniketan, Birbhum, the students of this university clad themselves in yellow colored clothes. The sight of all these youngsters adorned in such bright colored dresses is indeed beautiful.

They entertain you with some spectacular performances. The cultural programme that they put up is simply superb. The function is very enjoyable and provides the students a great opportunity to reveal their talents. They sing beautiful songs and dance to the tune of great music in groups. You are sure to be impressed by their memorable display of qualities. They welcome the season of spring whole heartedly.

Later in the day, the students as well as the teachers apply a colored powder popularly referred to as abeer on each other. The air is filled with certain joyousness. All the visitors are also extended a warm welcome and invited to participate in the merry making. Even they can play with abeer.