The vanishing minstrels of Bengal

While visiting a newly constructed mall in Kolkata recently, I came across two Bauls, singing vociferously near the gargantuan structure, in an effort to attract whatever little attention they could from the nattily clad 20-somethings hanging around there. The contrast, all too prominent - two shabbily dressed itinerant singers in bright ochre, with the simple ektara (one stringed musical instrument) standing before what could be described as one of emerging India’s pleasure-seeking hotspots…(if only I had a camera to capture that moment, I rue now!)

The receding communities of Bauls, once (and probably still now, to a great extent) a leitmotif in Bengal’s cultural landscape, are itinerant singers, known for their musical rendition of themes such as love, brotherhood, man’s eternal spirit and unity with the almighty. Somewhat similar in spirit to the troubadours of Europe and Sufi singers, the music of Bauls captures these themes through evocative yet simple lyrics.

Ironically, it’s in the West that today’s bauls are still finding patient audiences for their kind of music– hopefully this enchanting folk music won't die an unknown death here in India, its place of origin!

still ruminating...

After spending a lovely christmas weekend in Cal, its back to the capital again - with its chilling cold, morose fog and generally gloomy weather. Sordid reminders of chillier days ahead creeps into my mind which is still immersed in the happiness and cheer of last week....Park Street was lovely as always; only that the number of billboards and kiosks has considerably increased in all these years and young people, by which i mean the 20-somethings are definitely far more nattily dressed than when we walked these legendary streets in shabby jeans and casual T's....six years is indeed a long time!