In 2004-05, we started working with 300+ Baul Fakirs in Nadia, strengthened Gorbhanga as a Resource centre to disseminate Baul Fakiri music and then increased the spread to 1300 Baul Fakirs covering all 5 districts. While working with the artists, we realized the importance of Akhra in transmitting knowledge to next generation through Guru-Sishya parampara and thus hosted many 5 days workshops at Tepantar Theatre village in 2016-2019 timeframe with 3-7 Gurus and 100-150 disciples and that certainly contributed a lot to the growth of Baul Fakiri music. Then we realized that the Baul Fakirs need a permanent space for them, and thus we developed a Baul Fakir Ashram at Bannabagram in Ausgram near Gushakara. Ashram is a knowledge centre and has 1-3 Gurus with 5-30 disciples always and thus is expected to evolve as a place to interact with Baul Fakirs for understanding their philosophy and music. The Ashram encourages guests to experience simple life and celebrate togetherness as preached and practiced by the Baul Fakirs.
workshops
All types of workshops have been hosted at multiple venues including on Guru-Shishya Parampara, Presentation technique, Technical support, Advanced training and collaborations with other musicians. Mostly workshops were residential and for 5 days. 3-5 gurus were present at any such Basic/ Advanced workshop.
A workshop was organized with the Bauls and Fakirs on 30 Jan, 2021 to share the outcomes of the HIPAMS project with the larger community, to listen the experience of the artists and to identify the future course of action. Around 47 artists including 9 women warmly participated in the workshop. They discussed the present ecosystem for skill transmission and commented that surrender to the Guru is the only way to know the tradition. Women artists shared the stories of the struggles they have been through in life and the younger ones appreciated that their journey is easier. Artists appreciated the Art Codes and they agreed to use them. They discussed distortions of Baul music in the market. Young members of the families who are going to college and supporting the senior artists in using social media were also present and appreciated the session.
The guests were enthralled by the artists. They said that the soulful music of the Bauls and Fakirs had transported them to a different World of peace and serenity. The beauty of the quaint village, away from the hustle-bustle of the urban life was like a breath of fresh air for the visitors.
Bannabagram Baul Ashram, where Baul-Fakirs of different genres living across five districts of West Bengal come on a rotational basis, stay for 7-10 days and perform at stipulated time. It is a non ticketed entry for the villagers. Guests and villagers are enjoying this a lot.
