Lalan Mela

Close to our rented flat in South Kolkata’s Dhakuria, when Purna Das Baul came to build his house, there wasn’t much excitement in the air that would be suggestive of his fame. It was sometime in early 70s if memory serves me right. I used to pass by his house on way to school, and would occasionally catch a glimpse of him on the terrace of his single-storey.

Though he would sing sparingly in para (local area) programs, I came to know much later that Purna Baul was already making waves in the west, especially US, having worked with the likes of Bob Dylan and Mick Jagger. Today, his son, Bapi Baul is a renowned singer in his own right (..more).

It goes to Purna Baul’s credit for popularizing baul songs in the west, though one strongly feels there is still a huge potential that remains to be explored. Many westerners routinely visit Santiniketan during Poush Mela to taste baul songs, and also visit Tagore’s abode.

Incidentally, experts who research Tagore’s legacy say the great poet was heavily influenced by Lalan fakir, the 18th century Bengali sufi folk-singer. In fact Tagore was said to have admitted as much. Read this account, Lalan Shah.

Today, as the annual Lalan Mela starts at Kadamkhali in Nadia, for those who attend it, it’ll be a journey through the melodious tune and rhythm of baul songs. For others like me, here is a solace in the form of Tuntun Baul’s rendition, ami opar hoya bose aachi.. Enjoy.

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