BAULIAYANA : A Documentation of Baul Community and its lifestyle
The Baul community is a group of mystic minstrels that have syncretic religious sects and have music as their tradition, defying the strict fundamental rules set by society.
They have a rich and unique philosophy that embraces the simplicity of life and love. Although bauls have a greater impact on the cultural aspect of Bengal, and their existence dates back to the 15th century; there is hardly any action taken by them to promote the culture and uplift the tradition.
West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation has proposed an eco-resort at Bolpur where incorporation of the Baul ashram has been implemented to give a platform for the upliftment and promotion of the community.
The thesis focuses on the aim of an in-depth study of the “baul community” and forming a synergy output of the needs of the community and a tourism centre. In this project, the proposition of eco-resort will play a vital role, where the tourists can stay overnight and enjoy the calm and beautiful ambience of the Sal forests surrounding the site along with the source for the generation of the economy to some extent. The ashram will be the place for tourists where one can be a part of the community, although for a short period, knowing the way a baul lives, becoming a part of their daily routine, etc. The theme of the project is Adi Gram Bangla of the Birbhum which is concentrated on bringing forth the rich culture and tradition of the balls along with the experience of Bengal village culture. Implementation of inclusiveness for all is considered in the project.
“In the Middle Ages, people were tourists because of their religion, but now they are tourists because tourism is their religion.”- Robert Runcie, an English clergyman
Over the past years, tourism has grown diversely, becoming one of the strongest economic sectors of the world. Looking at the growth opportunities, almost every country focusing their efforts on promoting tourism and is making policies to attract all types of tourists i.e. inbound, outbound as well as domestic. (Banerjee, 2015). In today’s 21st century, it has been observed that tourism plays a vital role in the economy's growth, along with specific aims and objectives. Due to tourism, a large number of tangible and intangible elements have achieved economic and cultural improvement. There is also a counter-trend towards high yield and extended vacations that are purpose-driven by education, spirituality, wellness, or other forms of programmed self-improvement. The trend toward environment enhancement, heritage protection and spirituality along with the anticipation of local people to promote tourism at the regional level are great assets and will be an important step in the direction of natural resource management to meet calamities and disasters and there is no doubt that Spiritual Tourism would be a great asset to the economy. (Banerjee, 2015). A destination where wellness is a part of tourism is often an alternative that one is looking for where one can engage in self-analysis without the stresses and distractions of home and daily life. Throughout history the term baul has been used by scholars and researchers to denote a sect, tradition, community, cult, singers, mystic minstrels, and so on(Kar, n.d.). Bauls are a very strong spiritual and yogic tradition practitioner. Apart from the regular speculation of balls seen in some mela (Sonajhuri haat at Santinekatan), in trains and other places; they are the spiritual practitioner coming from various traditions. The tradition ( parampara) of balls dates back some 400-500 years back which follows Vaishnava Sahajiyas and Sufi Muslims whose origin is not exactly known but it is said to have appeared around the 15th century and is a part of the rural culture of West Bengal and Bangladesh(Mukharji, 2009). Bauls are as common people as others having a free spirit denying to follow the fundamental rules set by social organization. For Bauls, music is like air, they dedicate their life to music (Of & Music,2017). Their music follows “deho totto” depicting air, water, the philosophy of humans, day-to-day problems of human life, love, relation relations etc. there are mainly two types of balls- an ascetic Bauls who reject family life and Bauls who live with their families. For them guru is like God, and the tradition of baul is donated from one generation to another through Gurus(Kuckertz,1975).
