Fakir Lalon Shah (14 Oct 1772 - 17 Oct 1890) is regarded as an Icon and Pioneer of Baul Music and Philosophy. He did not believe in classes or castes, the fragmented, hierarchical society and took a stand against racism. Lalon played a socially transformative role in sub-continental Bhakti and Sufism and was greatly influenced by the Bhakti movement initiated by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He believed in the power of Music to alter the intellectual and emotional state, in order to be able to understand and appreciate Life itself. His songs reject any absolute standard of right and wrong and show the triviality of any attempt to divide people whether materially or spiritually. Lalon left no written copies of his songs, which were transmitted orally and only later transcribed by his followers. Also, most of his followers could not read or write either, so few of his songs are found in written form. Rabindranath Tagore published some of the Lalon songs in the monthly Prabasi magazine of Kolkata.

“Namaiyo Na Nona Gange” is a beautiful example of the usage of dual-meaning lyrics and Deho-tatva in Baul Music. Apparently, the song seems to be alerting an oarsman to avoid going into rough river waters with a fragile boat. Actually, it draws comparisons between a boat and the will-power and restraint shown by a man amidst the lure of salty wild waters of the confluence which may completely engulf the boat in its turbulence - a metaphor for extreme desirability towards lustful passion. It also shows man as a vulnerable entity against unexpected barriers in the form of distractions caused by one of his fundamental physical needs. The lyrics advise this man to return to safety while there is still time and rather steer his life towards his Guru’s divine guidance for navigating through the challenges of life.

This song has been written and composed by Fakir Lalon Shah, as is evident from the lyrics - “Lalon bole haale boshe, Guru-r naam-e lagao nishaan” meaning “Lalon says sitting at the helm of the boat - Steer the boat towards your Guru.” This is a common way in Baul Music to label a song with the name of its creator.

Lyrics: Fakir Lalon Shah
Singer: Rabi Das Baul
Dotara: Basudeb Das Baul
Dubki: Rabi Das Baul
Kartal: Sumanta Dutta
Rhythm & Percussion: Agnitray Chakarabarty

Location: FILM STOP
Produced by: FILM STOP
Cinematography: Suroshree Seal
Recorded & Mixed by: Sukanya Bhawal
Edited by: Sourav Dey

Bauls are a group of wandering mystical minstrels of Bengal. This community started with the largest Cultural Revolution in the history of human civilization, the Bhakti Movement led by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Their syncretic traditions are the outcome of a culmination of Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. Baul Music and Philosophy are deeply intertwined, with the Music serving as a medium for expressing and exploring our inner-self and the world around us, in search of the Divine. They also emphasise the importance of love, compassion, and tolerance, and reject distinctions based on caste, religion, or social status. Duality is a common theme in Baul song lyrics, with allegorical narratives using metaphors. ‘Deho-tatva’ – a recurring premise in Baul lyrics – is a concept of portraying nature and the universe through our bodies, which reflects the immortality of the cycle of life and death. It connects sex and spirituality – spiritual union of the individual with the Divine - to attain Moksha.

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