Celebrating our heritage -- Baul songs

Baul artistes performing at the event. PHOTO: STAR

Begum Selima Rahman, state minister for cultural affairs inaugurated the event. ANM Bazlur Rahman, secretary of the Bangladesh National Commission for Unesco was present as the special guest. Other guests speaking at the occasion were Wolfgang Vollmann, Unesco representative in Bangladesh and Abul Kalam Shafi Ahmed, director of music and dance, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Ahmed Nazir, director of the academy presided over the discussion. The French and Japanese ambassadors to Bangladesh also attended the event, among other distinguished foreign delegates.

The word 'Baul' originated from 'Bawra' -- meaning people who do not associate with traditional lifestyle or norms. Bauls do not belong to certain religious communities. They believe in the religion of 'humanity'. Searching for the 'higher being' through love, peace and harmony among fellow human beings, is their conviction. And this is what fetched Baul songs mass popularity in this part of the world during the last few centuries.

At the discussion Wolfgang Vollmann said, "Bangladesh has a rich and thriving cultural heritage. Unesco feels Bangladesh is stepping into the global culture scene in a significant way. Baul songs make up for an indispensable part of the Bangalee culture.

Authentic Baul singers are more like sages, who do not belong to any certain caste. This philosophy formed during the Middle Ages. Bauls (singers) sing of the eternal human bond with the 'Supreme Being'. But this 'Entity' does not reside in some unknown heaven. The 'Higher being' can be traced within us, through love and compassion for each other.

"It is an amazing feat, hence Unesco recognised Baul songs as one of the masterpieces of oral and intangible cultural heritage existing around the world."

Ahmed Nazir said, "During the middle ages when both Hindus and Muslims from the lower classes of the society lost hope in the traditional social system due to the maltreatment they received from the higher classes; some individuals left civilised world and formed a new creed. These people -- Hindus and Muslims -- did not become atheists though. They did believe in God. But according to them God is amongst us, within each and every being. It is amazing how these folks who had no traditional education; spoke of the intricate and complex philosophy of mysticism."

Begum Selima Rahman said, "During the 8-9th century, 'Sufism' was introduced in Persia (Iran) and some of these Sufis traveled to the sub-continent. Sufism was introduced in parts of the Bengal and the Bauls were deeply influenced by the Sufi philosophy.

"We are thrilled that Unesco has made an commendable effort to honour our cultural heritage and hope it will continue its endeavors in future."

Following the discussion, artistes Abdul Latif Shah, Ranjit Das, Momota Dashi, Anil Kumar De, Kiran Chandra Roy, Shamir Baul and Pagla Babul entertained the audience with their soulful renditions of Baul songs.