Khoai Mela
52 Reviews
#1 of 8 things to do in Bolpur
Flea & Street Markets
What travellers are saying
Hundreds of artisans selling their hand-made stuff near the Sonajhuri forest, is an absolute delight to watch.
If you are visiting Shanthiniketan for the first time then plan your trip on a saturday so that you can visit the famous Khoai Mela.
Good village hut environment. Resorts are nearby with some basic restaurants. Should you wish to dine in any one of those, make sure that the plates and glasses are dried with tissue papers before serving any food. Not far from Shanti Niketon. Ask the locals for direction.
This fair is held every Saturday in the afternoon till Sunset by the Khoai river( which was dry in February when we visited). Located very near the town this mela is also named “ Shanibarer haat” i.e. Saturday fair. In case you have a car there is free parking admist the clean forest. Walk along the road towards the proper fair. But before you do you will come across mostly tribal vendors selling their wares in the road and in a clearing before the fair premises. Most goods are very reasonably priced and there is a good variety of products. You will also see folk artists performing. Also interesting was to see bahurupiyas i.e. people dressed up in different appearances like a monkey etc.Do leave some money for them . You can drink lovely clean lemon tea. The place is quite clean and there is attractive arrangements for seating too. It’s a large fair and would take a while to cover. Overall a very good experience.

During our planning to visit Shantiniketan - we specifically made it a point to visit the Khoai Mela on Saturday. We read a few places that this mela is specially organized on Saturday's.
It is located about 1.5 km from the main University area - and a 10 min ride on the Toto can get you there across the bridge easily. It is not a covered mall nor a shopping arcade, but an open air & on the ground stalls that the local artisans and craftsmen & women bring their fare for showcasing and selling.
There is no starting no end - as there is a clearing near the bridges, and people just set up shop there on the ground. No tables, no mess and everyone is walking thru and bargaining.
We met artisans who are setting shop there since the last 20+ years and have also been invited to the University for showcasing their art & talent. Prices can be very steep - but on average are way lower than the stores in the cities. We bought sarees (linen, cotton and others), wire paintings, leather bags, batik cotton shawls as they are called - but are not stoles, and a few other trinkets.
Overall a very good experience and something unique.
This is my personal favourite in shantiniketan. The open air market commences every Saturday evening in the forests of sonajhuri trees. The place is charming, and together with folk dance performance and the handmade art and crafts sold by the local santhal tribes add to the vibe of this place. But again, we went in the wrong time of the year, poush mela season, when I could barely find any space to park my car. There was too much crowd with some families playing loud songs in their picnic and destroying the ecosystem of the place. However, I don’t want to underrate this place as I have witnessed it’s serenity during normal days.

свернуть