If one digs through the depths of the kinds of songs that are played with Ektara-one can find some patterns . Ektara is usually used to sing the devotional bhajans or self-composed prayers and it emanates a kind of soul-cleansing vibration across the verses . It is often played with reverence for love , life , and death . The idea of a passage through life and living an altruistic life , form the themes in this kind of song . The enigmatic Lalon Fokir is undoubtedly one of the most renowned and celebrated musicians of the Baul universe . The complex and the most intricate understanding of worldly affairs are simply put into very impactful words and metaphors . Allegorical anecdotes , fables , and mythological references through the lyrics help in transporting the listener to an out-of-body experience . Places in West Bengal like Shantiniketan , see many enthusiasts thronging for such exclusive experiences .
It is important to mention that many stalwarts including Tagore had used the Baul ideology and the fondness for the culture of Ektara-accompanied songs , through his written works . In his words : “ they are similar to the Buddhists in their belief in a fulfillment which is reached by love ’ s emancipating us from the dominance of self .” Ektara can make your mind go to places through the simplistic approach and well-crafted words of the music . Thanks to the unique bare-bone approach of the Ektara . Perhaps , Ektara is best experienced in isolation . Any other classical Indian instrument in the same show would perhaps take away the blissful depth of the music . Some Baul artists will use a percussion instrument on the opposite hand to compliment the sound of the Ektara . This along with the sounds of ghungroo create a magical escapade for the mind . Other musicians may
use cymbals along with Ektara for adding a dimension to the devotional nature of the music .
The music is all permeating because of this minimalist approach to presentation . Ektara is not a typical head-bobbing sound like the EDM or the dubstep of our times . Rather , it embalms you to contemplate or reflect on the moment you are in . It helps you drown in the goodness of pure music through a one-stringed instrument and auto-tune filterfree voices . It takes a lot to carry the traditions of yesteryears through music . But , the ethereal combination of the Ektara and the Baul lyrics have helped this to survive centuries without a fading memory .
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