The Shahzadpur Kacharibari, a mansion within Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral estate in Sirajganj, continues to preserve the legacy of the Nobel Laureate poet.

During his stays in Shahzadpur, the poet found deep inspiration for his literary pursuits, as reflected in a letter he wrote to his niece Indira Devi. "Here (Shahzadpur) I get the inspiration of writing rather than any other place," he noted.

Tagore composed many of his finest works during his time at the Kacharibari, including part of the play Bishorjon, as well as poetry and short-story compilations such as Sonar Tori, Chitra, Chaitali, Galpaguchchho, Chhinnapatra, Panchabhooter Diary, and Meyeli Chhara, along with 38 letters, according to researchers.

His grandfather Prince Dwarkanath Tagore purchased the Shahzadpur estate from Zaminder Rani Bhabani of Natore in 1840. After assuming responsibility for the estate, Rabindranath visited the area several times, with his last visit in 1901, said researcher Habibur Rahman Shwapan.

Professor Dr Abdul Alim, a researcher and teacher of the Bangla department at Pabna University of Science and Technology, said, "Rabindranath was close to the locals. Some of his famous works were inspired by those he met and the lives he observed here, such as Postmaster Ratan from the short story Postmaster, and the poor farmer Upen from the poem Dui Bigha Jomi."

Photo: Star

Md Habibur Rahman, custodian of Rabindra Kacharibari, said around 300 items once used by Tagore are preserved at the site. "With the passage of time, many important things connected to Tagore have been lost. We have kept those that remained at the Shahzadpur Kacharibari museum for visitors, including tables, chairs, a bed, and a palanquin used by the poet during his stays," he said.

Meanwhile, as in previous years, a three-day Rabindra Festival will begin tomorrow at the Kacharibari to mark the 164th birth anniversary of Tagore.

Organised by the Sirajganj district administration, the festival will feature discussions, recitations, music, and dance performances.