Oxygen ★ Sabyasachi - A Progressive Thought

Address:	Bankura II CD Block in Bankura Sadar subdivision of Bankura district in the state of West Bengal, India.
How to go:	Best way to go by train, RUPASIBANGLA EXP (12883) [6:25 am] from Santragachi or ARANYAK EXPRESS (Train no: 12885) [7:45 am] from Howrah. It takes around 3 hrs 30 min approx. to reach Bankura. From there hire toto and pay 1oo to reach the village. It takes max 25 min to reach the village.
Pros:	Amazing people Common facility center available for stay Value of knowledge regarding the art. Few sweet shops are available near by.
Cons:	Lack of food shop near by Less availability of public transport nearby.
What to visit ?	Bikna Dokra village itself
Company:	People who value Art of Bengal
Minimum day/time to visit:	1 day
Locality:	Village beside Highway
Expenses:	400 INR
More Information:	Bikna is a village in Bankura, WB is carrying heritage and culture of Dokra art for many years. It has almost 65 families who hold Karmakar title. This is an amazing art which has been majorly done in two villages in West Bengal and Bikna is one of those. The process of making Dokra art is not that easy yet how proficient artist they are you will realize once you see the process of work. The best part is they take their work so seriously and do with passion, it can clearly be seen if you go there, spent time with them. All day long they work so hard and kids seem almost get involved with this art in their age itself. I really appreciate a fact that they admit their kids to the school and let them study up to 10 standard or 12, then they get involved with the art in their village itself, As a result all members of the village get associated with the same art and that makes them united to save the art for long term and gets more stronger foundation day by day. This is a lifestyle of making the culture alive. Best Season to visit In November they are organizing a fair in their village itself. That is worth watching. You can say that is their season. You can visit in winter any day but it will be best if you go before November, why because you can see more number of work in that time due to the rush of their celebration and you can make healthy interaction with the people. Avoid Summer strictly. Points to notice Most of the people of the village are very interactive and friendly. Once you get into the conversation you will get the best flavor of interaction. In this village you will find lot of amazing kids playing around, all are so spontaneous by nature and their activities may remind you your childhood. Distribute candy to win their heart (personal suggestion). I have talked to a person many times, he is Buddhadeb Karmakar (+91 9547496004), he is such a generous person, also Dhiren Karmakar (+91 8298000397), he is really good at drawing. You can talk to them regarding any assistance. Food Must carry food as you barely find food stall or shop nearby. Or you can ask for food charging them certain amount. You can tell them by contacting one day before you go. If you are being well connected with the people they may invite you for food, but it depends upon your mentality and nature. Like we found Putul Karmakar (+91 9933457509), one of an amazing ladies in Bikna. You can have a lot of conversation with her and being a old lady she knows a lot of things about the village and culture. Shelter Best thing in this village is there are few room inside the campus for tourists, The rooms are developed by West Bengal Khadi and Village industry Board. For emergency purpose you can book the room. If you are going in November fair time, be careful and book that before a month to avoid the rush. Or other time in a year you can go and book it instantly. The amount is not so high. It is having western toilet and double cot accommodation each room.