Self searching is the essence of Baul music, which reflects the joy, love and longing for mystical union with the Divine. They urge people to rise above the divides created by caste, creed and religion to find peace and spread love. To know more about Baul, one may read http://contactbase.blogspot.com/2023/07/preserving-bauls-of-bengal-for-21st.html . After working with about 3000 Baul Fakirs for over 20 years, we developed a Baul Ashram at Bannabagram (in Ausgram near Guskara/ 20 KM from Santiniketan) for people to experience Baul music where Bauls from various Akhras across Bengal come on regular basis, stay and perform.
Bannabagram Ashram, nestled amidst lush greenery, offers a peaceful retreat for visitors. Apart from Baul songs, kantha embroidery, Chadar Badar (tribal puppetry) are some of the cultural attractions in the ashram. The ashram has eco-friendly lodging facilities with attached western-style toilets. The ashram bespeaks the ethos of sustainability and also has an organic farm. There is a pond in the premises, which offers visitors the opportunity to fish. The ideal time to visit Bannabagram Baul Ashram is between October and March. Bannabagaram Baul Ashram has its annual Baul Fakiri Music Festival during the last weekend of November. Renowned Baul-Fakirs from various districts across Bengal come together for the festival.
Its located within 25 KM distance from both Panagarh and Santiniketan and 12 KM from Guskara. From Kolkata, its about 3.5 hours by car. One can take Volvo Bus from Esplanade to Budbud/ Panagarh and vehicle from there. People coming from Delhi can use the Ondal airport. From Kolkata airport, its 3.5 hours too.
Visitors can stay at the Ashram, where excellent exclusive arrangements including cottages (eight cottages, twin occupancy with attached western toilet) are available with good food.
The Ashram offers quality stay and food to visitors willing to experience culture with simple life in a peaceful space. Its located next to the forest range. Thus visitors love to have morning walk / cycling in the forest to be with the sound of chirping birds. The ashram has a small pond and a … Continue reading “Bannabagram”
View DetailsSpread across 1.5 acres with a pond and organic farming area, the Ashram includes 5-10 Baul practitioners who share their philosophy and music with visitors. It invites guests to experience a simple lifestyle and celebrate unity through Baul music. Additionally, the Ashram serves as a community hub, offering a library for villagers and a welcoming space for cultural exchange.
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