KOCHI: A genre of folk music which is closely connected to spirituality, is how Papia Ghoshal defines the form of Baul, a genre of music and culture native to Bengal. Papia Ghoshal, known popularly as Papia Das Baul, is one of the few women Baul artists striving to popularise the age old form of music and art. The artiste had recently been in the capital city for a performance at the Goethe Zentrum German centre.
Terming Baul artistes as ‘Bengali Sufis’, the Baul artiste elaborates on the form of music,
“The word ‘Baul’ is derived from a term which means ‘As free as the wind’. Just like the wind, which has no dimension or direction, the artistes are also free-spirited souls. The folk music is a form filled with energy.”
Baul music had been practised from ancient times in Bengal by wandering mystics, along with the accompaniment of Ektara, a musical instrument exclusive to Baul music.
According to Papia, the folk music, which has now emerged from the villages, is deeply spiritual, dealing with the search of the soul and the philosophy of the body.
The musician, who is an artist as well, started learning Baul music under the tutelage of Pandit Purna Das Baul. Having trained in the music for around 20 years, the musician has attended many Baul music concerts across the world. ‘Baul Papia and Baishnav Tantra’, the music group, dedicated mainly to baul music, was founded by Papia Das Baul in Praque in 2008.
The ancient folk music with its simple form and lifestyle has now become more popular. Adds the Kolkata- based artiste, “Though Baul is becoming more popular, many people are yet to be familiarised with this folk art form.” Papia Ghoshal has been awarded with the European Circle of Franz Kafka Award, the World Alliance of Salvador Dali Award, European Union of Fine Arts Award (Galerie Miro, Prague), the Mother Theresa International Award and more. The artiste is currently in New Delhi for another performance.