Dolyatra / Dolotsav

Dolyatra, or Dolotsav, is popularly known as the Holi of Bengal and it is celebrated on full moon day of the Bengali months Phalgun. As the festival takes place in the spring season, it is also known as Basant Utsav or Vasant Utsav.
The legend says that Lord Krishna expressed his love for Radha on full moon night on Dolyatra day. One of the most famous paintings of Radha and Krishna is the full moon night in the spring.

As in Holi, is celebrated with colors Dolyatra. Festival begins by paying respect to the dead ancestors. People add small amount of colored powder (phaag) pictures of pictures of dead ancestors. Next they take the blessing of the elders by providing some color on the feet. Elders bless the youngsters by putting some color on the forehead. The muted celebration ends at home and so that people venture into the streets and throwing colors on all the streets.

All people, regardless of age and social status participate in the festival. Numbers on the immortal love of Krishna and Radha are sung on the occasion. Other songs include the nature's splendor.
Dolyatra festival is of great importance in Shantiniketan. This is a big event here and the preparations for the celebration starts in advance. Festival This is in accordance with Basanta Utsav and it was initiated by Rabindranath Tagore.