Folk Songs in Bangladesh

by Nahar Kamrun

Bangladesh is a land which is renowned for its cultural heritage, and it has a vibrant and diverse musical tradition. Among the various genres that flourish in this country, folk songs hold a special place.

The primary purpose of Bangladeshi folk songs is to entertain, educate, and communicate emotions, experiences, and stories of the common people. They cover a wide range of topics such as love, nature, spirituality, social issues, and historical events. They are typically sung in Bengali language.

Bangladeshi folk songs are also known as "Lokgeeti", "Palligeeti" or "Baul sangeet". Traditionally, the itinerant minstrels, known as "Bauls" are mystic troubadours who travel from village to village, sharing their songs and spiritual teachings. They typically accompany themselves on instruments like the ektara (a single-stringed drone instrument) and dotara (a four-stringed instrument).

Apart from Baul songs, there are some popular sub-genres include Bhatiali, Murshidi, Jari and Sari. Each style carries its unique characteristics, melodies, and lyrical nuances which represents different regions and communities.

Nowadays, Bangladeshi folk songs are not limited to the rural areas but have also gained popularity in urban settings. Many contemporary musicians and bands have incorporated folk elements into their music to create a fusion of traditional and modern sound. Overall, Bengali folk songs serve as a cultural lifeline, connecting the present generation with the historical roots and traditions of their ancestors.

References:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladeshi_folk_literature

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Bangladesh

3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360016186_Bangladeshi_Folk_Songs_A_'Nation-Thing'

4. https://folkcloud.com/folk-music-by-country/bangladesh