Parvathy Baul’s soul-stirring music

Parvathy Baul was delighted to connect with live audiences at a recent show

The philosophical depth of Baul songs combined with Parvathy’s infectious energy created an electric atmosphere at an event organised by Emami Art in Kolkata on September 25. Playing the iktara and the duggi, with her Radha-Krishna paintings in the background (she studied fine arts at Viswa Bharati University), the singer soared to the highest realms of her music. She jumped and twirled as if entering into a trance-like state, while the audience was transported to the soft plains of riverine Bengal and to Birbhum, the land of red soil. The tunes the Bauls sing have stirred the souls of the people of this region for centuries.

Parvathy Baul began the performance by blowing the conch and talking about emerging from a long period of isolation. “This is not just a performance, it is an auspicious moment when I am back again amidst my rasikas,” she said.

Born as Mousumi Parial in a privileged caste Bengali family, she assumed her new name when she was ordained as a Baul. The Baul tradition is a philosophy and way of life, showcased through songs by the poet-singers. They are mentioned in literary works dating to the 15th century. A mix of Hindu, Buddhist, Sufi and Tantric philosophies, the Baul tradition has strongly influenced Bengal’s culture.