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There
are several kinds of folk music in Bengal, each with their own
characteristics. Some of them are sung usually by a certain
group of people. The three well-known forms of Bengali folk
music are the Baul, Bhatiyali and Baowaia.
Baul:
Baul is one of the few widely known and appreciated types of
folk music in Bengal. Baul is not only merely a kind of music,
but it is basically a Bengali religious sect. The members of the
sect are themselves called Bauls, and the songs they sing are
named after them as Baulgan (Baul songs). The Baul
costume consists of a half-dhoti and an alkhalla
(saffron robes). The instruments extensively used by the Bauls
are Gopiyantro (often called "ektara"), khamak,
dotara, ghungur, nupur and duggi. Some
of the well-known exponents of Baul music include Lalon Phakir,
Naboni Das Khepa, Purno Chandra Das, Yotin Das Bau and Sonatan
Das Thakur Baul.
Bhatiyali:
It is usually sung by the
boatsmen.
Bhaowaia
(Bhaoyaiya): It is the typical folk music from
northern part of Bengal.
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