Bauls are the folk singers of Bengal. They sing in the praise of God and normally a baul lives a life of a faqir, a sage. The music is very very sweet and the instrument they play is also unique.

Baul songs are folk songs originated in Birbhum district of West Bengal. A baul mela is organised every year during winter at Joydeb Kenduly situated at the bank of Ajoy river in Birbhum district. Bauls from all over India and foreigners also attend this mela, famous for the baul song competitions held there. Pallav Kirtania the famous baul attends this mela. Among others, researchers of folk songs, lovers of baul song also attend this mela. As bauls are known for their bohemian character, liquors and ganjas are consumed freely during the mela days. Bauls play the instrument known as ektara along with their melodious and earthy songs composed mainly on God Shiva. Bauls are generally nomadic and make their living by singing folk songs in public places, street corners, trains etc. One of the greatest baul singer of present day is Purna Das Baul who have received plenty of accolades in India and abroad.