Siliguri Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat

Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat is a symbol of the genuineness and traditional craftsmanship of Bengal. The Haat showcases a collection of ancestral art creations and provides a means to preserve and conserve authentic handmade art and crafts.

It is a haven for those who appreciate ancient handiwork and traditional goods. While located in the far-flung northern plains of the state, the Haat features exquisite traditional handmade products, reflecting Bengal’s essence and cultural heritage. As a platform for local artists to showcase their skills and creativity, Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat celebrates Bengal’s rich culture and artistic traditions.

Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat Attractions

At Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat, one can explore Bengal’s rich and diverse traditional creative expressions, with each piece carrying the region’s age-old traits. The Haat plays a crucial role in generating opportunities for traditional weavers and craftsmen, providing a platform for them to showcase their arts and crafts to modern buyers.

In turn, it enables urban weaves to earn a living for themselves. The exhibition hotspot has become the go-to place for thousands of weavers, craftsmen, and urban dwellers, primarily located in the northern plains of the state.

Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat serves as a forum for thriving arts and crafts, supporting the creativity and authenticity found in handmade products that are influenced by Bengal’s unique culture and heritage. Additionally, the Haat sustains the dreams and skills of many artists, uncovering their entrepreneurial mindset and vision towards financial self-reliance.

More importantly, Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat plays a critical role in preserving Bengal’s heritage, while at the same time, creating credible employment opportunities for traditional arts and crafts enthusiasts.

What to See at Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat

Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat endeavors to promote Bengal’s arts and crafts on an international platform, fostering cross-cultural appreciation for the region’s rich cultural heritage. The Haat has recently expanded to include the Cane Furniture Hub, Wooden Furniture Hub, and Terracotta Hub.

The museum is the primary attraction at Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat as it houses an impressive collection of antique items, including a 150-year-old Baluchori Saree, Coconut Crafts, Hand-painted Silk Sarees, Kantha Stitch, Brass Utensils, Ceramic Work, Terracotta Work, Embroidery Work, Ancestral Jewelry, Old Musical Instruments, 157-year-old Clay Pot (Jwala), Conch (Sankh), Jute Work, Bamboo Work, Artistic Sarees, and Fish Skin (Fiber). These exhibits showcase Bengal’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s historical and artistic legacy.

Siliguri Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat Location

Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat is situated in Siliguri Porajhar in Rajganj, Satellite Township, which lies in the district of Jalpaiguri and is the fourth urban Haat in Siliguri to be renamed as Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat. The designated Haat, established with the support of the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA), spans over an area of 5 acres and involves a project cost of Rs. 6.56 Crore.

In terms of infrastructure, the Haat boasts a two-storied building for women artisans and a separate building for male artisans. Additionally, there is an administrative building with an open stage and a green room, as well as a VIP lounge with a restroom.

The open space for exhibitions and sale allows visitors to browse traditional handcrafted items from local artisans. Besides, the Haat also features a food court, children’s park, and gardens, providing visitors with a leisurely experience in addition to the rich cultural offerings.

How to Reach and Best Time to Visit

For those planning a visit to Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat, it’s advisable to plan your trip on weekends and during festivals, as this is when the Haat witnesses a significant influx of visitors, providing an opportunity to experience a diverse range of handcrafted products. If you prefer pleasant weather during your visit, the ideal time to visit would be during wintertime and the advent of spring (between mid-November and March).

When it comes to traveling to the site, visitors can opt to drive themselves or hire a taxi from one of the car rental services in Siliguri. Alternatively, travelers can board an auto to reach the Haat. It’s worth noting that the fare for transportation services can be negotiable, making it accessible for visitors on different budgets.