the baul of bengal

baul folk music tour

The Bauls are a mystic group of musicians and wandering minstrels from Bengal. The Baul tradition is a syncretic and unique form of Bengali folk music and spirituality that blends elements of Hinduism, Sufism, and other mystical traditions. Bauls are known for their itinerant lifestyle. They roam from place to place, often without any fixed home, and their songs reflect themes of the search for the divine, love, and the ephemeral nature of life. Baul philosophy emphasizes the idea of the divine within oneself, transcending religious boundaries. Their music and poetry express the concept of realising God through personal experience rather than through rituals or scriptures. Baul music is characterized by the use of traditional instruments like the ektara (a one-stringed instrument), dotara (a two-stringed instrument), and the dhol (a drum). The songs are often sung in a distinctive style that involves a blend of Baul poetry and spontaneous improvisation.

For tourists, the Baul tradition offers a unique and immersive cultural experience. The music, dance, and philosophy provide insights into the rich cultural heritage of Bengal. Baul performances have a spiritual and meditative quality, providing tourists with a different perspective on spirituality and mysticism.

The Baul tradition is spread in central Bengal in Nadia, Murshidabad, Birbhum and Bardhaman districts. There are several villages which have become popular for Baul music. This includes Jaydev Kenduli in Birbhum district which is also the host to the the annual Kenduli Mela, Nanoor village in Birbhum, The area around Shantiniketan, Gorbhanga in Nadia district and others.

These villages not only offer opportunities to witness live Baul performances but also provide a glimpse into the daily lives and practices of the Baul community. Travelers can engage with the locals, attend music festivals, and explore the spiritual and cultural aspects of the Baul tradition.

Our Tours

The Baul culture and villages are very non-touristic and natural. Although there is a good number of local visitors to the Baul village and festivals, there are few National and International travellers among them. Our Baul village tours are always customised to the needs of our guests. If you are on a short trip and just wish to have a feel of the Baul culture, we recommend a visit to the Baul akharas around Shantiniketan, where the tourism infrastructure is better. But if you are a serious musician who wishes to immerse into the depth of Baul music for several days, we would take you to interior rural villages like Gorbhanga. There is no one-size-fits-all tour for Baul villages. Discuss with our travel experts and create your own Baul tour itinerary.