Shilaidaha, Kushtia – Rabindranath Tagore’s beloved Kuthibari, an iconic site deeply intertwined with the life and creativity of the world-renowned poet, is gradually losing its grandeur due to prolonged neglect and insufficient renovation work.
Once celebrated for its elegant wooden doors and intricate craftsmanship, the historic cottage now shows alarming signs of decay. Peeling paint, deteriorating woodwork, and a third floor declared unsafe and closed to visitors underscore the urgent need for restoration.
Tagore spent a significant part of his creative life at Kuthibaari, composing many of the timeless works that cemented his status as a world poet and enriched Bengali literature. Today, the cottage that nurtured such masterpieces stands in distressing decline.
Rabindra enthusiasts and visitors say the fading condition diminishes the experience of connecting with Tagore’s life and works. Harun Or Rashid, a visitor, stressed the need for a permanent auditorium, citing that unfavorable weather during Tagore’s birth anniversary often hampers celebrations. Tourist Robin Hossain emphasized the importance of proper accommodation and food arrangements for visitors from across the country.
Students visiting the site also expressed the educational value of Kuthibaari. “We’ve read about Rabindranath Tagore in textbooks, but coming here helped us understand him better,” said Sultana. Mohana Das added that the tour would greatly benefit her academic learning.
Cultural practitioners voiced concerns as well. Rabindra Sangeet artist Ranu Biswas lamented the absence of a proper stage for musical performances, while Professor Asma Islam of Dhamrai Government College noted that artists’ contributions are not being properly recognized despite the site’s cultural importance.
Scholars researching Tagore’s life and works also highlighted the deteriorating condition and the lack of adequate lodging and dining facilities for research-focused visitors, warning that continued neglect may hinder future scholarship on the Nobel laureate.
Md Al-Amin, the custodian in charge, defended current facilities, stating that Kuthibaari already has a rest house and a research room, and that plans are underway to expand these amenities.
Despite assurances, Tagore lovers, researchers, and local artists remain united in calling for urgent preservation and renovation. They fear that without swift intervention, Kuthibaari—an irreplaceable part of Rabindranath Tagore’s legacy—may continue to lose its historical charm and cultural significance.
