Sonajhuri Haat
সোনাঝুরি হাট
A weekend market in a sal-forest grove on the western edge of town, where artisans sell crafts from the ground and Baul singers and Santhal dancers perform among the trees. It is the most lively and local experience in Santiniketan.
Sonajhuri Haat, also known as the Saturday Market (Shonibarer Haat), is held in a grove of sonajhuri (golden sal) trees on the red-earth western fringes of town, next to the rain-gouged red earth ravines of Khoai and the Kopai River.
Every Saturday afternoon, with smaller stalls on Sundays and other days too, local villagers and artisans spread out under the trees with kantha embroidery, batik saris, pottery, bamboo basketry and Dokra brass jewellery. Prices are negotiable. Baul wandering singers play their ektara and sing throughout the grove, and Santhal women dance in circles.
Aim to arrive around 3 pm and stay until sunset. An e-rickshaw from the town centre takes about 15 minutes. There are no proper toilets on site, cash is the norm, and the crowds get very busy on public holidays.
Opening hours
Mainly Sat 14:00 to sunset; also open Sundays
Nearby sights
- Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kala Bhavana
- Uttarayan Complex & Rabindra Bhavana
- Visva-Bharati Ashram Area
- Srijani Shilpagram
- Cheena Bhavana
- Amar Kutir
- Sriniketan