A mystic treat
Bauls, the mystic singers of the rural Bangladesh, have their own rituals and traditions. One of the most significant features of this folk community is their occasional congregation at the akhras (dens) of their Gurus or at the house-yards of their disciples. Even, Lalon Fakir, the most revered among the Bauls, himself introduced the yearly Dol Festival at his akhri.And the tradition still goes on. These mystical artistes from Kushtia, Chuadanga, Meherpur, Magura and Narshingdi gathered on the night of March 31 at the Institute of Fine Arts of Dhaka University. Organised by Baul aficionados Jalchhabi and some students of the institute, the programme was a presentation of authentic mystic rituals. Under a Krishnachura tree, the pungent smell of the dhoop (traditional incense) and the luminosity of the candles created an illusory ambience for the audience. The moving performances of Lalon songs accompanied with rural musical instruments such as ektara, dotara, mandira, khajanchi, dhol, shinga and flute added to the intensity of the environment.
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Photo: Afsar Ahmed |
