Traditional Music of Bengal



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The Bauls of Bangladesh and Bengal are primarily itinerant beggars, known for their nonconformist lifestyle and unconventional approach to religion. Baul songs often express an inspired longing for union with the divine. They are usually sung by a solo performer, accompanied on a one-stringed instrument called an ektar. The melodies feature wide intervallic skips and are often sung in a triple metre.

"Baul Song" courtesy of Sam Mills

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Bengal (region); Bangladesh

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