"All spiritual attainments become possible for the one whose heart is firmly devoted to the Guru.” - Lalon Fakir
Baul is an ancient spiritual path of seeking “Sahaj”, a simple, spontaneous, natural way to self-realisation through song, dance, and walking lightly on Earth. This soul-touching immersion in the Baul tradition will be guided by Mahamaya Baul and Tarpan Baul, a spiritual Baul couple practicing in Shantiniketan, West Bengal.
WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE
MORNING MEDITATION THROUGH RIYAZ
CHANTING HARI NAAM
This is a process through which one can meditate through swargam. It's a warm up for the voice on an empty stomach, where you'll learn various kinds of melodies, and get to consciously "engineer" your voice.
Hari Naam chanting is the devotional practice of repeating the divine name, such as Hare Krishna, Hari Bol, Gouranga, or the names of Hari and Guru. In the Vaishnava and Bengal Baul traditions, it is understood as a way to awaken love for the Divine and turn the mind inward.
PROBHATI (MORNING DEVOTIONAL SONGS)
Probhati Gaan (morning devotional songs) are sung in the early hours of the morning to remember God, Hari, the Guru, or the Supreme Being as we begin a new day. In the Vaishnava and Baul traditions of Bengal, Probhati Gaan is a beautiful part of spiritual practice (sadhana).
BAUL DANCE
It is not merely a dance. it is an expression of the soul through music, rhythm, and devotion. In the Baul tradition, movement often arises naturally while singing Baul padas and chanting Hari Naam. The body becomes an instrument of spiritual expression, moving with the rhythm of the song and the longing of the heart.
BAUL MAHAJANI PADAS
Baul Padas are spiritual songs and poetic compositions from Bengal’s Baul tradition. They express the search for the Moner Manush (the Beloved within), devotion to the Guru, the mystery of the human body, and the union of the individual soul with the Divine.
SANDHYA AROTI (EVENING PRAYER)
Evening Aroti is a devotional offering of light to the Divine at sunset. In the Baul and Vaishnava traditions, it can be a time to remember Hari, offer gratitude to the Guru, and bring the mind into stillness after the day's activities.
BAUL SATSANG
It is the sacred gathering of seekers who come together to sing, remember the Guru, share spiritual wisdom, and seek the Divine within.
In the Baul tradition, satsang is not merely a gathering of people, it is an opportunity to bring the heart closer to the Moner Manush, the Beloved within.
YOUR FACILITATORS
Mahamaya & Tarpan Baul
Mahamaya Baul and Tarpan Baul are a spiritual couple of the Baul tradition, who have an Akhara (practice space) called Sahaj Sanniddya just a couple Kilometres away from Dularia. They have been walking the path of Baul for the last 14 years. Their Siksha and Diksha Gurus are Sadhan Das Bairagya and Maki Kazumi. Their Sannyas and Siksha Guru is Parvathy Baul. They share and teach about the Baul path in their Akhara, which they founded a couple years ago.
OUR LEARNING SPACE
Our sessions will be held inside the beautiful Earthhome on Dularia's lush green permaculture farm. The Earthhome has thick mud walls and a soothing mud floor that is ideal for holding a strong energetic space for Baul spiritual practice. We will also do some of our practices outdoors on the farm under the open sky and in the lap of nature, as Baul practice has been done for centuries.
FOOD & ACCOMMODATION
We have 3 options for accommodation:
1
In a cozy mud cottage ideal for a single person or a couple wanting privacy. Shared showers and toilets are available on the premises.
2
In a dormitory with four beds. Shared showers and toilets are available on the premises.
3
For those wanting attached bathrooms, you can choose any of the surrounding guest-houses. Two options are Panchabati Resort ( 850 m away from Dularia) or Khoai Village Resort (2.7 km away from Dularia).
Meals consist of wholesome vegetarian food containing fresh vegetables and greens harvested from our farm, and cooked on our wood-fired stove in the Santhal tribal or local Bengali tradition. We serve breakfast plus two big meals, fruit, tea and snacks to keep you well-fed and energized for the tasks of the day.
RETREAT DAILY SCHEDULE
This is a rough schedule that can change based on the activities planned for the day.
8:00 - 9:00: Morning Riyaz
9:00 - 9:30: Breakfast with tea/coffee.
9:30 - 10:00: Hari naam chanting
10:00 - 11:00: Morning devotional songs
11:00 - 11:30: Tea-break
11:30 - 13:00: Mahajani padas
13:00 - 15:30: Lunch & rest
15:30 - 16:30: Movement practice
16:30 - 17:00: Tea-break
17:00 - 18: 30: Evening prayer
18:30 - 21:00: Dinner, followed by bon-fire, sharing, relaxation.
21:00: Suggested bed time!
Akash, West Bengal
Mahamaya Baul's musical prowess is well-documented publicly, but being in her presence is an entirely different experience. She radiates a powerful aura of peace and composure, providing a breath of fresh air whether she is singing or simply narrating her own journey as a Baul. She does not merely teach music, but unpacks the profound meanings and contexts of the Mahajani Padas. She associates the songs with her own life experiences and precious lessons from the different aspects of the Baul doctrines which turn every lesson into a sadhu sanga.
Aphieme, USA
I met Mahamaya Baul at Parvathy Baul’s Ashram and am very fortunate that she has been willing to offer her expert help for me to practice the MahaJani Padas. I have shared many tears with her as the understanding and depth of these songs land in my heart and life. The rhythmic patterns of the Ektara are especially difficult and different from much Western Music and she has been abundantly patient and gracious with me.
Jade, France
Mahamaya Baul makes the journey of learning Baul songs possible through her generosity, dedication, patience, and profound love for her tradition. She always answers my questions with joy, kindness, and simplicity. And of course, I cannot fail to mention her extraordinary talent. Her beautiful voice and the divine musicality that flows through her make every lesson a deeply inspiring experience.
PRACTICAL DETAILS
DATES
Retreat: Feb 25 - Mar 01, 2027
Arrival is suggested on Feb 25 by 4pm latest, and departure is after 10am on Mar 01. Last date for registration: Feb 15, 2027
PARTICIPANTS
Min 4 - Max 10
We carefully curate a small, synergetic group. Do apply early to ensure your spot!
FEES
Tuition fees: INR 16,250
Includes retreat facilitation and taxes. Excludes food & accommodation.
Food pricing: INR 4,000
Includes all meals during the retreat.
Accommodation pricing (for entire retreat):
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In a dormitory (4 spots available): INR 2,000
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In our mud cottage (suitable for single person or couple): INR 4,800
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For homestays outside Dularia please enquire with them directly
All inclusive prices
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In our dorm: INR 22,250
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In our mud cottage/ studio: INR 25,050
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In the homestay of your choice: INR 20,250 plus accommodation expenses.
To book your spot, a non-refundable deposit of INR 5,000 will be required.
WHERE WE'RE LOCATED
Dularia is located in a rural setting, just ten kilometers away from Shantiniketan, which has been recently recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site for its historical and cultural value. This makes it all the more attractive to visit Dularia and to take a few days extra to visit the surroundings.
HOW TO REACH US
The closest train stations to Dularia are Prantik and Bolpur stations, and the closest airport is Durgapur.
If you want to come by flight, you could fly into Kolkata airport, followed by either a train journey from Howrah/ Sealdah stations to Bolpur/Prantik stations, or take a 4-hour taxi ride directly to Dularia. Alternately, you could fly into Durgapur airport, followed by a 2-hour taxi ride to Dularia. Kolkata has several more flight options than Durgapur does, so both airports have their advantages/disadvantages.
If you want to arrive by train, you can come to Bolpur/Prantik stations, and then take an electric rickshaw (Toto) to Dularia. There are better and faster train connections to Durgapur train
