The serene surroundings of Rajendra Sarovar Park at Bekar Bandh came alive on Sunday as the Bengali community celebrated the 8th edition of ‘Dol Utsav’ with cultural fervour and traditional splendour. The event aimed to present the rich heritage of the festival in a vibrant cultural format, blending colours, music and dance.
The tradition of Dol Utsav draws inspiration from Visva-Bharati University, established by Rabindranath Tagore. Since 1920, the festival was celebrated there as ‘Basanta Utsav’ in a unique cultural-academic environment marked by Rabindra Sangeet, poetry recitations, graceful dances and use of colours. The Bengali community in Dhanbad has organised the festival for the past eight years.
Organiser Aarti Paul said the celebration served to preserve and promote Bengali culture among families in Dhanbad. She added that Dol Utsav signified the transformation of nature, with palash flowers heralding the arrival of spring and onset of Holi.
