Bombay Baul Project by Arnesh Ghose: Bringing the Soul of Bengali Folk Music to Mumbai

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Arnesh Ghose Bombay Baul Project

Arnesh Ghose, a multi-disciplinary artist, is collaborating with Mythopia, a leading organization on Indian and world mythology, to bring an evening of Bengali folk music, Baul, to Mumbai. This special event, celebrating the vibrant spirit of Holi and the colors of spring, will take place on March 9, 2025, at Mukti Manch in Versova.

India is a land of diverse cultural traditions, but many remain underrepresented in the mainstream. Baul music, a rich folk tradition from Bengal, is one such musical legacy. It has inspired generations, including the legendary Rabindranath Tagore, and is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Through the Bombay Baul Project, Arnesh Ghose aims to introduce Baul music to young, urban audiences, helping them connect with India’s cultural roots. A trained Hindustani Classical singer and Rabindrasangeet practitioner, Arnesh developed a deep love for Baul music during his visits to Shantiniketan, where he was drawn to its philosophy and melodies. With this project, he hopes to bring Bengal’s rich folk heritage to a wider audience, highlighting the universal messages within its music—that different faiths and philosophies often share the same truths.

Baul culture has a history spanning thousands of years and blends elements of Sufism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism, and Tantra. These wandering minstrels, known as Bauls, express spiritual teachings through soulful songs and simple instruments like the ektara (a one-stringed instrument) and khomok (a hand drum). Their music is a celebration of human existence, divine longing, and the search for the moner manush (inner self), emphasizing that gods are merely guides on the path to enlightenment.

With the Bombay Baul Project, Arnesh hopes to revive and celebrate this profound folk tradition, making it accessible to new audiences and ensuring that its timeless wisdom continues to inspire generations to come.

With the Bombay Baul Project, Arnesh hopes to revive & celebrate folk tradition, making it accessible to new audiences & ensuring that its timeless wisdom continues to inspire generations to come.

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