Intimately tailored experiences of daily rituals and activities are offered at Raajkutir, IHCL SeleQtions, the heritage-inspired hotel, bringing to life the former Rajbaari history.

The immersive rituals and cultural folk performances of the Great Bengal Renaissance aim to transport visitors to a typical welcome setting from the nineteenth century and provide them with the opportunity to relive the mementos of a bygone era. They do this by showcasing the aura of the opulent mansion and grounds that will draw visitors into the magnificence and more straightforward glories of antiquity.

The purpose of traditional folk performances like Chau, Baul Music, and Raibenshe is to provide complete immersion into the royal glories and cultures that have long been an essential part of West Bengal.

“We are thrilled to display rites and activities of the Great Bengal Renaissance with cultural folk performances to our esteemed visitors,” said Mr. Ankur Gairola, hotel manager of Raajkutir IHCL SeleQtions.

IHCL has always taken the lead in preserving India’s rich culture and history.

It begins with “Chhau,” a traditional dance from the West Bengali area of Purulia that incorporates vibrant masks, pulsating drumbeats, and forceful acrobatic moves.

Chhau dance is a semi-classical Indian dance combining martial and folk traditions that have its roots in India’s Kalinga (Odisha) region. This art form was once practiced with the intention of uniting individuals from various social strata and ethnic backgrounds, as well as celebrating the diversity of their social practices, religious views, occupations, and languages.

The Baul Music is the second artistic form presented at Raajkutir, IHCL SeleQtions.

The Baul singers are musicians who renounce their families and travel from place to place to promote the message of peace and the oneness of the soul with the divine. They are deeply based on the West Bengali tradition. They may be recognized by their long saffron robes and matching turbans. The bamboo flute and ektara are used to play the sultry tunes.

The Raibensheis, considered among the best of the royals, performed shortly after the energizing Baul Music started.

A West Bengali folk dance that stands out for its various depictions of martial arts and military energy. The word “bansh” is derived from the words “rai,” which means “royal” or “kingly,” and “bansh,” which means bamboo. These dances serve as a reminder of the Bengalis’ military might. This dance is special since no songs are performed or verses are spoken throughout the martial dance. Instead, this dance is punctuated by men shouting incoherently and making movements that mimic drawing arrows from quivers, tossing spears, brandishing knives, and flailing swords and scimitars.

Every week, different dance genres such Raibenshe, Baul Music, and Chhau are alternately performed. Visitors who want to participate in the evening ritual can contact Sanjay at +91-7003271805.

Video link of the event-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kkFSrJaKc4

Priyanka Dutta