Upholding the music of our souls

Bauls stage countrywide performances for the students

"There was a time when rural Bangladesh would resonate with the mystical songs of the Bauls and the melodies of ektara, dotara, khajanchi and dhol. These Bauls were a bohemian community, known for their wit, nomadic lifestyle, mysticism and mellifluous songs," says Ferdousi Nazma, president of PBSUS. "However, today this community is threatened by the onslaught of the electronic media and is in danger of losing its charm. The existence of these artistes is now at stake because of poor institutional support, unemployment and financial security," believes Nazma.

Against this backdrop, what could be more effective than a musical treat by these mystic singers and exhibiting folk musical instruments to the school children?

PBSUS works hard to preserve and revive the Baul culture, by organising such programmes regularly. "We have already arranged colourful Baul and folk treats and the display of almost extinct musical instruments for the students of Sirajuddin Sarkar Bidya Niketan and Shafiuddin Sarkar Academy in Tongi, Rani Bilasmani Government High School in Gazipur and Chowara Girls High School and Yousuf Bahumukhi Technical High School in Comilla," asserts Nazma.

These events featured rendition of various types of Baul and folk songs such as devotional, Marfati, Murshidi and Lalon Geeti, discussions on different aspects of the Baul cult, and the devotional chants of Bauls. Apart from music, an exhibition of rare Baul musical instruments featuring khamak, dotara, ektara, dhol, mandira and others also attracted the school goers.

What was the response? "The response was immense," says an enthusiast Nazma. As she continues, "During the shows, the authentic Bauls attired in traditional gerua outfits, entranced the students. For instance, during the performances of the popular songs like Maya lagaisey, Mon amar deho ghari and others the students' participation was satisfactory. But the dilemma is that very few could identify these songs as Baul or folk songs. By and large they were treated as songs sung by different band groups."

"Our next target is to create awareness among the students of the urban areas and especially those from English medium schools," adds Nazma.

Folk and Baul songs reflect our traditional values, heritage and spiritual dimension, and draw people irrespective of caste and religion. These are the songs that provide the concept and vision of an equitable society and a non-violent approach towards mankind. "To revive this rich tradition we need a massive campaign, support and patronage from the countrymen and different organisations," she concludes.