Tagore artifacts in need of preservation
Rabindranath first came to Shahzadpur from Kolkata to supervise the estate in 1890, when he was 28 years old. In the rainy season, Tagore moved about in a Bajra (boat). In the dry season, he went around in a palanquin.
Tagore came to Shahzadpur several times between 1890 to 1895 to supervise his estate. During his stay here he wrote several books like Noukadubi, Sonartori, Drama Bisarjon, Chitra, Choitali, short stories Postmaster and Panchobhut.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Besides, the poet wrote many songs, poems and plays.
Kachharibari, the two storied building with seven rooms is sprinkled with many memorabilia of Tagore. Among them are shoes, wooden sandals, bedstead, couch, spectacles, palanquin, sofa, piano, harmonium and metal vessels. However, the Kachharibari and it's building are in a dilapidated condition due to lack of patronage by the concerned authorities.
During the Pakistan rule, the damaged Kachhari and its roof were reconstructed under the aegis of the Archaeological Department in 1969. Later in 1999, the 500-seater Rabindra auditorium was constructed here. There is also a museum where many rare photographs, furniture and metal vessels have been preserved.
The Kachharibari museum remains open six days a week. Visitors pay Taka 5 to enter between 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Locals said that every year the Sirajganj district administration celebrates Tagore's birth anniversary on 25 Baishakh with zeal. However, the death anniversary of Tagore on 22 Srabon goes unnoticed.
Local elites expressed grave concern about the preservation of the rare artifacts and called for the observance of his death anniversary with due solemnity.