Ektara sits at the very heart of a Baul gathering—its single string producing a hypnotic drone that feels like the pulse of life itself. Alongside it, the dotara (literally “two strings”) weaves gentle melodies, offering a deeper, resonant counterpoint. Together, they form the melodic backbone of any Baul ensemble.

Percussion comes alive through instruments such as:

• Khamak: A hand-held, tensioned string drum that responds to rhythmic tugging, creating sharp, syncopated patterns.
• Duggi: A pair of small clay or metal kettledrums, each tuned to different pitches, driving the foot-stomping energy.
• Khol (or mridanga): A barrel-shaped drum with split heads, delivering rolling bass and crisp slaps.

Tiny metal cymbals—known as kartal or manjira—add bright, chiming accents, while the occasional flute or harmonium might slip in, especially in contemporary festival settings. During last year’s Dhaka International Folk Fest, a harmonium made the rounds, blending old-school wanderer vibes with modern folk fusion—proof that Baul music continues to evolve without losing its soul.

In rural fairs or urban concert halls, these instruments don’t just accompany the lyrics of love, longing and divine madness—they breathe life into them. The call-and-response interplay between voice and ektara, the tug-of-war tension in the khamak, the heartbeat thrum of the khol—all shape an experience that’s as much about feeling as it is about hearing. It’s a reminder that, when it comes to Baul, the simplest tools can unlock the deepest mysteries.