Baul Singers of Bengal: The original wandering nomads in a GPS world- Documentary by Ricky Kej

 

The Bauls of Bengal are far more than just folk singers; they are mystical minstrels who represent one of the most unique, syncretic spiritual traditions in the world. Often called the "original nomads," they have spent centuries wandering the rural landscapes of West Bengal (India) and Bangladesh, carrying their philosophy not in books, but in songs.

In 2005, the Baul tradition was included in UNESCO’s list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, cementing their status as a global cultural treasure.

1. The Philosophy: "The Man of the Heart"

The core of Baul belief is the search for the Moner Manush (The Man of the Heart). They believe that God does not reside in temples, mosques, or scriptures, but within the human body itself.

• Syncretism: Their philosophy is a beautiful "khichdi" of Sahajiya Buddhism, Vaishnavism (Hinduism), and Sufism (Islam).

• Anti-Establishment: Bauls famously reject the caste system, organized religion, and social hierarchies.

• The Body as a Temple: They practice Deha Tattva, a belief that the universe and the divine are mirrored within the physical self.

2. The Sound of the Soil

A Baul performance is recognizable by its raw, soulful energy and specific traditional instruments:

Instrument	Description
Ektara	A one-stringed plucked instrument, the symbol of the "One" (the Divine).
Dotara	A multi-stringed lute that provides the melodic backbone.
Duggi	A small earthen drum tied to the waist, played with one hand.
Khamak	A unique plucked drum that creates a distinct "wow-wow" sliding sound.
Ghungur	Anklets with bells that ring as the singer dances in a rhythmic, swaying motion.

3. Modernity vs. Tradition: Living in a GPS World

While the world has moved toward hyper-connectivity and digital maps, the Bauls continue to value a life of "blissful madness" (Vatul). However, their lifestyle is facing significant shifts:

• From Trails to Stages: Once purely wandering mendicants who sang for alms (called Madhukari), many Bauls now perform at international music festivals and in urban "Akhdas" (monasteries).

• Cultural Preservation: In a world of instant streaming, the oral tradition (where songs are passed from Guru to Shishya) is at risk. Organizations like UNESCO and the efforts of figures like Rabindranath Tagore (who was deeply inspired by Baul music) have helped keep the flame alive.

• The "Fake Baul" Challenge: With the commercialization of folk music, many urban performers adopt the saffron robes and instruments without the years of spiritual "Sadhana" (discipline) required to be a true Baul.

4. Legendary Figures

• Lalon Shah (Lalon Fakir): The most celebrated Baul saint in history. His thousands of songs on humanity and religious harmony remain the gold standard of the tradition.

• Purna Das Baul: Often credited with bringing Baul music to the global stage, even collaborating with Western artists like Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones.

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The Bauls remind us that even in a world where every inch is mapped by GPS, the most important journey is still the one directed inward.

This documentary explores the 1,000-year history and the spiritual lifestyle of the Bauls, highlighting their struggle to maintain their traditions in a modernizing world.

(This video is posted by channel – Ricky Kej on YouTube, and Raree India has no direct claims to this video. This video is added to this post for knowledge purposes only.)

आज मुझे उस बूढ़ी अलमारी के अन्दर पुराना इतवार मिला है...

आज मुझे उस बूढ़ी अलमारी के अन्दर पुराना इतवार मिला है.........

जाने क्या ढूँढने खोला था
उन बंद दरवाजों को,
अरसा बीत गया सुने,
उन धुंधली आवाजों को,
यादों के सूखे बागों में,
जैसे एक गुलाब खिला है।

आज मुझे उस बूढ़ी अलमारी के अन्दर,
पुराना इतवार मिला है........

कांच के एक डिब्बे में कैद,
खरोचों वाले कुछ कंचे,
कुछ आज़ाद इमली के दाने,
इधर उधर बिखरे हुए,
मटके का इक चौकोर,
लाल टुकड़ा,
पड़ा बेकार मिला है।

आज मुझे उस बूढ़ी अलमारी के अन्दर,
पुराना इतवार मिला
है......

एक भूरे रंग की पुरानी कॉपी,
नीली लकीरों वाली,
कुछ बहे हुए नीले अक्षर
उन पुराने भूरे पन्नों में,
स्टील के जंग लगे, शार्पनर में,पेंसिल का,
एक छोटा टुकड़ा गिरफ्तार मिला है।

आज मुझे उस बूढी अलमारी के अन्दर,
पुराना इतवार मिला
है...

बदन पर मिट्टी लपेटे
एक गेंद पड़ी है,
लकड़ी का एक बल्ला
भी है,
जो नीचे से छिला
छिला है,
बचपन फिर से आकर
मानो साकार मिला है।

आज मुझे उस बूढ़ी अलमारी के अन्दर,
पुराना इतवार मिला
है.........

एक के ऊपर एक पड़े,
माचिस के कुछ खाली डिब्बे,
बुना हुआ एक
फटा सफ़ेद स्वेटर,
जो अब नीला नीला है,
पीला पड़ चुका झुर्रियों वाला
एक अखबार मिला है।

आज मुझे उस बूढ़ी अलमारी के अन्दर,
पुराना इतवार मिला
है.........

गत्ते का एक चश्मा है,
पीली प्लास्टिक वाला,
चंद खाली लिफ़ाफ़े,
बड़ी बड़ी डाक टिकिटों वाले,
उन खाली पड़े लिफाफों में भी,
छुपा हुआ एक इंतज़ार मिला है।

आज मुझे उस बूढ़ी अलमारी के अन्दर,
पुराना इतवार मिला
है..........

मेरे चार दिन रोने के बाद,
पापा ने जो दी थी,
वो रुकी हुई घड़ी,
दादाजी की डायरी
से चुराई गयी,
वो सूखी स्याही
वाला कलम,मिला है,
दादी ने जो पहले जन्मदिन पे
दिया था वो श्रृंगार
मिला है।

आज मुझे उस बूढ़ी अलमारी के अन्दर,
पुराना इतवार मिला
है........

कई बरस बीत गए
आज यूँ महसूस हुआ,
रिश्तों को निभाने की
दौड़ में
भूल गये थे जिसे,
यूँ लगा जैसे वही बिछड़ा
पुराना यार मिला है।

आज मुझे उस बूढ़ी अलमारी के अन्दर,
पुराना इतवार मिला
है..........

आज मुझे उस बूढ़ी अलमारी के अन्दर अपना पुराना इतवार मिला !

Mithlesh baria

Yehi gar zid tumhaari hai - A Nazm

Yehi gar zid tumhaari hai,

Chalo hum bhool jaate hain!

Sabhi waade, sabhi qasmein,

Mohabbat ki sabhi rasmein,

Nahin, manzoor jo tum ko,

Karein ranjoor jo tum ko,

Tumhaari shaad-maani hi,

Azeez-az-jaan hai jab to,

Tumhein phir tokna kaisa?

Ziyaan-o-sood ki baabat,

Bhala phir sonchna kaisa?

Chalo hum bhool jaate hain!

Mohabbat ki riyazat mein,

Wafaaon ki musaafat mein,

Qadam kis ke kahaan bahkey,

Hui kis se kahaan larzish,

Basa di jis ne ik pal mein,

Hamaari aankh mein baarish,

Ke jis ki tez boondon ne,

Kisi tezaab ki soorat,

Nishaan-e-manzil-e-dil hi,

Jala dala, mita dala,

Magar jaanan...

Kahan aasaan hota hai?

Jigar ka khoon ashkon mein,

Badalna aur bahaa dena,

Khas-o-khashaak chun chun kar,

Gharonda ik banana aur,

Usi ko phir jala dena,

Jawaan sapnon ki laashon ko,

Daroon-e-jaan chhupaa kar,

Muskura dena...

Khizaa'ein paalna khud mein,

Bahaar'ein baant'tey phirna,

Kahaan aasaan hota hai?

Bahot mumkin hai hum bhi haar hi jaayein,

Jawaan hai zabt jo ab tak,

Muqaabil ghum ke aaye,

Aur dhaah jaaye,

Aur is mein bhi ta’ajub kya?

Tumhaare laut aaney ki,

Bachi ho aas jo koi,

Nawa-e-be-zubaan ban kar,

Sisak kar phir se ut'they aur,

Tum tak bhi pahonch jaaye,

So tum se ye guzaarish hai,

Tab ik ehsaan tum karna,

Palat kar dekhna yun sard nazron se,

Ke jo bhi aas zinda ho,

Usey yak-sar mita dena,

Hamein pat'thar bana dena!!!

नए शहर में अनजान लोग ? ऐसे बनाएं उन्हें अपना दोस्त....

नई जगह पर लोगों से दोस्ती कैसे करें?

नयी जगह पर बसना एक नई शुरुआत जैसा होता है, लेकिन शुरुआत में थोड़ा अकेलापन महसूस होना स्वाभाविक है। लोगों से मेल-जोल बढ़ाने के लिए आपको थोड़ा सक्रिय (proactive) होना पड़ेगा। यहाँ कुछ व्यावहारिक तरीके दिए गए हैं

How to visualize to draw a painting

 Visualizing a painting before your brush ever touches the canvas is a skill that blends mental focus with practical planning. Whether you struggle to "see" things in your head or you just have too many ideas at once, you can

Board Exams ki Taiyari School Pressure ke beech

 

Board Exam ki Sahi Taiyari (School Pressure ke beech)

🔹 Sabse Pehle Ek Sach Samajh Lijiye

School ke questions = practice ke liye
Board exam = presentation + clarity ke liye

School zyada questions isliye deta hai taaki:

• Aap likhne ke aadat mein aao

• Concept strong ho

• Weak areas pakde jaa saken

👉 Lekin har sawal yaad karna zaroori nahi.

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🔹 Golden Rule (Board Students ke liye)

“Har chapter ke 30–40% questions se

AELST, Willem van Dutch painter (b. 1627, Delft, d. ca. 1683, Amsterdam)

My Dying Conscience ...A Poem by Rashmi Trivedi

Sometimes in the dark of the night,

I visit my conscience

To see if it is still breathing,

For its dying a slow death

Every day.

When I pay for a meal in a fancy place.

An amount which is perhaps the monthly income

Of the guard who holds the door open.

And quickly I shrug away that thought,

The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Houseplants

Houseplants bring life, color, and freshness into any space. Whether thriving in a sunny window or brightening a shaded corner, they can transform a home’s atmosphere. Proper care ensures they stay healthy and vibrant year-round.

Choosing the Right Houseplants

Selecting plants suited to the environment is the first

ना कहना...Ek kavita

जीवन में किसी को ‘हाँ’ कहने से

कहीं अधिक मुश्किल होता है ‘ना’ कहना

इतिहास गवाह है कि

‘ना’ कहने वालों ने हर जमाने में

तमाम जहमतें उठायीं

दर-दर की ठोकरें खायीं

फिर भी झुके नहीं ऐसे लोग किसी के सामने

कहा.... वही

जो लगा ....सही

‘ना’ दुनिया का साफ़-सुथरा

और साहसिक वक्तव्य है

जिसे बोलना तस्दीक करता है यह

इतना-सा मनुष्य होना ( Ek Kavita)

शहर की बड़ी सब्जी मंडी में

एक किनारे टाट का बोरा बिछाकर
अपने खेत की दो-चार ताज़ी सब्जियाँ
लिए बैठी... रमैया
अक्सर छुट्टे पैसों के हिसाब में

करती है गड़बड़ ।

न...न....यह समझ लेने की भूल मत करना

कि रमैया को नहीं आता

इतना भर गणित,

हाँ बेशक, दो-पाँच रुपए बचाकर

महल बाँधने का गणित

नहीं सीखा उसने ।

घर में काम करती ...पारबती

मालकिन के कहने पर

सहर्ष ही ले आती है

दो-चार किलो मक्की

अपने खेत से

और महीने के हिसाब में

How to speak confidently without making sound of "umm" and "aaan"

That "um" and "ah" habit (physically known as filler words) usually happens because your brain is moving faster than your mouth—or because you're afraid of the "dead air" while you think of the next word.

Here is a practical guide to reclaiming your silence and speaking with more authority.

1. Embrace the Power of the Pause

Homebound Movie Review

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound has received widespread critical acclaim since its release in September 2025. Critics are calling it a "soul-stirring" and "deeply empathetic" masterpiece, with many comparing its emotional weight to Ghaywan’s debut, Masaan.

Critical Consensus

The film holds a rare 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 85, indicating universal acclaim. Most critics praise the film for tackling systemic issues like caste and religious identity through a deeply personal, human lens rather than a preachy one.

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Review Highlights

• Performances: * Ishaan Khatter (Shoaib): Described as a "career-defining" and "magnetic" performance. Critics noted his ability to portray the quiet rage and practical desperation of a young Muslim man.

  • Vishal Jethwa (Chandan): Hailed as an "absolute revelation." His portrayal of a Dalit youth hiding his identity to escape exclusion was praised for its raw honesty and restraint.

  • Janhvi Kapoor (Sudha): Though her role is relatively small, she is noted for being "sincere" and providing a crucial perspective on female education and ambition within marginalized communities.

• Direction & Writing: Reviewers from The Hindu and Variety highlighted Ghaywan’s ability to capture "subtle indignities" and "daily injustices" without resorting to melodrama. The dialogue, co-written by Varun Grover, is described as incisive and deeply affecting.

• Technical Finesse: Pratik Shah’s cinematography is frequently mentioned for its "unflinching" look at the harsh realities of rural India and the grueling journey of migrant workers during the lockdown.

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Score Summary

Publication	Rating	Verdict
The Times of India	5 / 5	"Filmmaking at its finest... a soul-stirring observation."
The Indian Express	3.5 / 5	"Offers compassion and cautious optimism we desperately need."
Rediff	4 / 5	"Deeply moving... the simmering anger is not sanitized."
WION	Positive	"A triumph of empathy... stays with you long after the film ends."

What the Critics Say

"Homebound hits like a thunderbolt... It not only compels you to confront your own privilege but also lays bare the complex layers of gender-based disparity." — Times of India

"The first time in ages that a mainstream Hindi-language production has felt vital... a searing indictment of modern India." — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety

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A Note for Viewers

While the film is heartbreaking and deals with the brutal reality of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, reviewers emphasize that it is a story of friendship and resilience rather than just tragedy. It avoids "poverty porn" by focusing on the agency and dreams of its lead characters.

Homebound is currently available to stream on Netflix (released on November 21, 2025).

How Does Someone Figure Out What Your "Trigger Point" Is?

Understanding someone's trigger point isn't about magic or mind-reading; it is usually the result of observation and emotional patterns. Here is a breakdown of what a trigger is and how people identify yours.

What exactly is a "Trigger Point"?

When people talk about a "trigger," they are referring to a

Wonderful watercolor landscapes by Artist Igor Dubovoy

Igor Dubovoy is a prominent contemporary Russian artist known primarily for his mastery of watercolor realism, though he also works extensively in oils.

Born in Moscow in 1972, he is a fascinating figure in the art world because he is largely self-taught. Despite lacking a formal academic art education, he has achieved

The beauty of the Ural land by Artist Alexander Porfirievich Samokhvalov

Alexander Porfirievich Samokhvalov (Born 1960)

The Contemporary Master of the Ural Landscape

This Samokhvalov is a modern artist living in the Sverdlovsk region (Degtyarsk). He has dedicated his entire career to

Paintings by Swedish artist Johan Crouthen (1858-1932)

Johan Krouthén (1858–1932) was a master of the Swedish "Golden Age" of painting, celebrated for his transition from harsh Realism to a bright, idyllic style that earned him the nickname "The Painter of Sunshine."

His works are characterized by their serene light, blooming

Carlton Alfred Smith British painter's Paintings

 

Carlton Alfred Smith (1853–1946) was a prominent British painter, most celebrated for his mastery of the watercolor medium and his ability to depict "strong sunshine" in domestic settings.

Artistic Identity and Style

Smith was a "Genre Painter," meaning he specialized in scenes of everyday life. His work is characterized by:

• The "Window Light" Motif: Almost all his famous works feature a figure (typically a woman or child) seated near a window, with bright sunlight highlighting their hair and clothing.

• Technically Accomplished: He was considered one of the most skilled watercolorists of the late 19th century, utilizing stippling, fine detail, and bodycolor (white gouache) to create high-contrast highlights.

• Romantic Domesticity: His paintings evoke a nostalgic, peaceful view of rural life in England, often featuring cottage interiors, spinning wheels, and knitting.

Famous Works

You may recognize these titles, which are hallmarks of his "sunny" style:

• Lullaby (1888): A classic example of his use of warm light on fabric.

• Christmas Eve: Shows his range in capturing different types of interior light.

• News from Abroad: Features his signature light-drenched window scene.

• Daydreams: Uses a technique called "scratching out" to create brilliant, sun-like glints on the watercolor paper.

Key Biography Details

• Training: He was the son of a steel engraver and studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, where he won gold and silver medals.

• The Witley Circle: He was a key member of the artistic community in Witley, Surrey, alongside other famous watercolorists like Helen Allingham.

• Travels: While most famous for English scenes, he lived in India and Sri Lanka between 1916 and 1923, where he applied his "sunlight" technique to vibrant Eastern landscapes and street scenes.

How to reduce exam stress / Board exam preparation tips in Hinglish

 Exams ka darr (Exam Fear) bilkul normal hai — iska matlab hai aap care karte ho. Problem darr hona nahi, darr ko handle na kar paana hota hai. Chaliye isey simple, practical tareeke se samajhte hain.

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😟 Exams ka darr kyun hota hai?

1. “Fail ho gaye toh?” ka khayal

2. Syllabus zyada, time kam lagna

3. Yaad karne ke baad bhi bhool jaane ka darr

4. Parents/teachers ki expectations

K-Pop stars

 K-Pop has a vast number of stars, but here is  some of the most globally recognized artists and their iconic music videos (MVs), which are known for their high production value, stunning visuals, and intricate choreography.

Here is a look at some of the biggest names in K-Pop:

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Boy Groups

BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan)

• Concept/Style: Known for deeply personal lyrics that address social commentary, mental health, and self-love. They've evolved from a hip-hop-focused group to global pop superstars, pioneering the "K-Pop invasion" in the West.

• Iconic MVs:

  • "Dynamite" (2020): A vibrant, feel-good, all-English disco-pop track. The MV is bright, retro-inspired, and simple, showcasing their charisma and aiming to bring joy during the pandemic.

  • "Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey)" (2019): A colorful, energetic pop song with a focus on simple, charming choreography. The MV is set in large, aesthetically pleasing, and highly saturated sets like a cinema and a diner.

  • "Blood Sweat & Tears" (2016): Known for its dark, artistic, and sensual concept, blending pop and trap. The MV is filled with classical art references and deep symbolism, marking a major turning point in their career.

Stray Kids (SKZ)

• Concept/Style: A "self-producing" group known for their unique, often chaotic and intense music style, which they call "Marat Taste" or "noise music." Their discography is diverse, exploring themes of identity and rebellion.

• Iconic MVs:

  • "God's Menu" (2020): An aggressive, hip-hop-infused track that became a signature hit. The MV is fast-paced, features cooking metaphors, and showcases intricate, powerful choreography.

  • "Thunderous" (2021): Blends traditional Korean and modern themes with a strong beat. The MV features elaborate sets, traditional attire blended with modern styling, and impressive special effects.

EXO

• Concept/Style: Known for their elaborate, often sci-fi or supernatural "Exo-Planet" concept, strong vocals, and powerful, dramatic choreography. They were one of the biggest forces in the 3rd generation of K-Pop.

• Iconic MVs:

• "Love Shot" (2018): A sleek, mature, and sensual R&B-pop track. The MV emphasizes polished visuals, sharp choreography, and a sophisticated, luxurious concept.

• "Monster" (2016): A dark, edgy, and powerful song. The MV features dramatic, intense visuals, a strong storyline about rebellion, and one of their most celebrated choreographies.

Boy Groups

Group	Total Members	Member Names (Stage Names)
BTS	7	RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, Jung Kook
Stray Kids	8	Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, I.N
EXO	9	Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun

Girl Groups

BLACKPINK

• Concept/Style: The definitive global K-Pop girl group, known for their "Girl Crush" concept—a blend of fierce, hip-hop-heavy music ("Black") and glamorous, feminine pop ("Pink").

• Iconic MVs:

  • "DDU-DU DDU-DU" (2018): Their defining, anthemic hit with an aggressive drop and a catchy chorus. The MV is extravagant, featuring lavish sets, high fashion, and the iconic "gun-shooting" dance point.

  • "Kill This Love" (2019): A powerful, marching-band-inspired track. The MV is cinematic, with huge set pieces (like a bear trap and a tank), symbolizing the end of a destructive relationship.

TWICE

• Concept/Style: Originally known for bright, bubbly, and catchy "color pop" concepts, they have successfully branched out to more mature and empowering themes while maintaining their pop foundations.

• Iconic MVs:

  • "What is Love?" (2018): A cheerful, sweet bubblegum pop song. The MV is famous for its members recreating iconic scenes from classic romantic films like La La Land and Pulp Fiction.

  • "Fancy" (2019): A shift to a more sophisticated, electro-pop sound. The MV is bold, utilizing vibrant colors, surreal backdrops, and a confident, chic aesthetic.

NewJeans

• Concept/Style: A rising 4th-generation group known for their Y2K-inspired, clean, and refreshing "Minji-core" aesthetic and R&B-influenced pop that evokes nostalgia.

• Iconic MVs:

• "Ditto" (2022): A reflective, dreamy dance-pop track. The MV is shot in a cinematic, found-footage style, telling a poignant story about friendship and fandom.

• "Super Shy" (2023): A light, Jersey club-inspired pop song. The MV features the members dancing spontaneously in public spaces, emphasizing a fun, high-energy, and youthful vibe.

Girl Groups

Group	Total Members	Member Names (Stage Names)
BLACKPINK	4	Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, Lisa
TWICE	9	Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, Tzuyu
New Jeans	5	Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein

Solo/Other Legendary Artists

PSY

• Concept/Style: A veteran artist famous for his humorous, self-deprecating style, satirical lyrics, and instantly viral dance moves.

• Iconic MV:

  • "Gangnam Style" (2012): The first K-Pop video to achieve global phenomenon status, with an incredibly simple, iconic "horse-riding" dance. The MV is comedic, satirizing the trendy, wealthy lifestyle of Seoul's Gangnam district.

JENNIE (BLACKPINK)

• Concept/Style: Known for her confident, charismatic stage presence and blending rap and pop.

• Iconic MV:

  • "SOLO" (2018): A confident and empowering pop-hip-hop track. The MV is split between a softer, feminine side and a powerful, chic side, showcasing various high-fashion looks in glamorous sets.

Jung Kook (BTS)

• Concept/Style: The main vocalist and "Golden Maknae" of BTS, known for his versatile voice and charismatic performances, often leaning into a global pop/R&B sound for his solo work.

• Iconic MV:

  • "Seven (feat. Latto)" (2023): A smooth, upbeat UK Garage-pop song. The MV is a comedic, mini-movie featuring a storyline where Jung Kook goes to absurd lengths to try and win over his love interest.

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Each of these artists brings their unique color to the K-Pop landscape, making their music videos a key part of the experience.