On a train moving at 60 km/h, a Baul is seated on the corroded metal roof, losing himself in the ocean of music. Bauls are a group of itinerant mystic singers who have wandered from one Bengali village to another for centuries, extolling the “ways of love.”
The word Baul literally means “mentally disturbed,” with a connotation of frenzied behavior. The Bauls, “God’s Madmen,” follow no doctrine and preach no religion. On the contrary, they stand against all forms of social or religious sectarianism. Freedom of spirit is their guiding principle. They are known for their unconventional lifestyle and unique approach to spirituality. The true beauty of the Bauls lies in their free-spirited nature. Wealth is contrary to their pursuit of life, so they risk their lives by riding on the roofs of trains, where there’s nothing to hold on to.
