A file picture of villagers convening a meeting in Amadubi before the festival

This Makar Sankranti, get a preview of rural tourism at two scenic villages with a specially created six-day Tusu package of food and folksy fun.

The harvest festival can be enjoyed at villages Amadubi and Panijiya at Dhalbhumgarh block, East Singhbhum district, as part of the NGO Kalamandir’s event titled Rusika Sangeko — abode of artists — to popularise the offbeat venues.

From mushroom, chicken or sweetened pithas (a kind of indigenous dumplings) to pyatkar paintings, to even do-it-yourself workshops where visitors can participate in informal workshops or learn tribal crafts, the festival from January 10-15, from 8am to 6pm everyday has something for everyone.

“Makar Sankranti is the state’s biggest festival, and this time, we are trying to celebrate it differently. We thought of promoting the tribal culture among urban visitors. We added painting and dance workshops for visitors so that they can take back something from the experience. We have sought help from state tourism,” said Kalamandir secretary Amitava Ghosh.

The experience is easy on the pocket too. Breakfast is between Rs 20 and Rs 50, with muri (puffed rice), pitha (dumpling), payesh (rice cooked in thickened milk), begun pora (roasted eggplant), fruits, omelette and milk. Lunch and dinner come for Rs 60-Rs150 with dal, steamed rice, vegetables, egg, fish and chicken curries. A full day’s ethnic fare, served on clay utensils, costs Rs 250 per head.

All proceeds will go to members of the village tourism development committee.

Food for the soul comprises orientation on craft tourism, interaction with artisans, kirtan by Amadubi Kirtan Sangha, learning to make pyatkar paintings and tribal dances such as Jhumur.

“At present we want to promote the place. Though staying overnight is not recommended yet, there will be such arrangements in future,” Ghosh said.