Nabanna Folk Art and Craft Fair

Nabanna Folk Art and Craft Fair is a 10-day annual event, held during the Basanta Utsav or spring celebration, in Shantiniketan, West Bengal. A unique experience in many ways, the festival brings together demonstration of the craft in the making, direct interaction with artisans, as well as traditional, innovative and climate conscious initiatives.

First held in 2006, the festival provides craftspersons a platform to directly engage with their patrons and sell their wares. The ten-day festival begins with a weekend literary fest, Nabanna Earth Weekend, that brings together authors, performing artists, researchers and innovators from home and abroad, who engage in discussions on arts, stories behind their creation, ideas on social evolution, innovations and ways and means to save the environment.

Over 20 editions, the participation at the Nabanna festival has grown exponentially, going from a few dozen artisans to around two hundred in 2024. The festival helps showcase various crafts, such as Madhubani and Alpana paintings, Patachitra, Pipli art, pottery, textile, tribal, silver and copper jewellery, brass and bell metal craft and stone carvings among others.

It also includes cultural programmes, a food court, art competition, art camps, exhibitions, health camp, and workshops for artisans and students alike. Nabanna is organised by Suresh Amiya Memorial Trust.