প্রকৃতি ও সংস্কৃতি

Located at the heart of Purulia, Bandwan is a tranquil forested landscape enriched with the heritage of its indigenous communities. Surrounded by hills, green canopy, and water bodies, Bandwan is both a visual delight and a hub for sustainable, eco-friendly craft. The mud walls of Bandwan’s homes are adorned with striking indigenous aesthetics, reflecting the deep cultural roots of the region. The forest fringe communities collect Sabai grass, once used primarily for rope-making, and have transformed it into a thriving livelihood that produces a variety of utility and home décor items. Bandwan is also rejuvenated with local haats and seasonal festivals.

Art Forms

Sabai craft

Sabai, a tufted perennial grass growing in the forest fringe areas of rural Bengal, has transcended its traditional use in rope-making. Now, entwined with date palm leaves, it is used in crafting enchanting decorative and utility items, providing sustainable and eco- friendly livelihoods to local women.

Attractions

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Bandwan by delving into its age-old tradition of crafting exquisite items from Sabai grass, a sustainable and eco-friendly practice. Beyond the captivating Sabai craft, you can immerse yourself in the serene charm of Duarsini, a nearby hamlet embraced by lush, dark green forests of Sal, Shimul, Piyal, and Palash trees. Here, the historic temple dedicated to goddess Duarsini stands as a testament to the village’s rich cultural past. Jhilimili and Sutan forest camps, located within a 50-kilometer radius, offer a perfect blend of nature, tradition, and history. Additionally, a serene dam at Bhalu and a refreshing water spring at nearby Dhadka village are bound to keep you captivated.

Beautiful Road Trip to Bandwan

Duarsini Forest

Enjoy Duarsini River Sight

Sabai Rope Making Process

Sabai Utility Products

Sabai Wall Plates

Terracotta Temple at Duarsini

Activities

You can dive into the world of Sabai grass artistry by engaging with local artists and learning about their creative process. Discover how they colour and sun-dry the grass, transforming it into various functional products, and purchase eco-friendly items directly from them. Spend a peaceful afternoon in Duarsini exploring its spiritual history, or, if you're a nature enthusiast, enjoy serene walks along the forest trails in Bandwan or go fishing or boating in the nearby waterbody. Don't miss the enchanting Jhilimili and Sutan forest camps, where you can soak in the lush, natural beauty of this cultural haven.

How to Reach

Bandwan is 40 km from Ghatshila, 60 km from Purulia. Local vehicle is available for travelling to nearby Sabai villages like Mrigichami (15 km), Rajagram (19 km) from Bandwan town.