The Fine Arts Faculty Fair came into existence in 1961, taking inspiration from the fairs and 'melas' that were prevalent since early 20th century at the well-known art institution in Santiniketan, West Bengal. Sculptor Sankho Chaudhury, who taught at the Faculty, had initiated the Fair after having studied in Santiniketan. Besides the fun and festivities that it brought, the Fair served an important role in supporting less privileged students and in reaching out to the local community. It became an occasion where the public could view and buy artworks that were produced by students. Over the years, the Fair expanded in scale and scope, bringing into its fold different activities, such as theatre performances, puppet shows, experimental artworks, and traditional art forms.