Ancient as the Ganges’ flow, Baul songs finally caught global attention in 2008, when UNESCO inscribed “Baul Tradition of Bangladesh” on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. That nod wasn’t just a feather in the cap—it lit up these mystical ballads for new audiences, helping wandering minstrels become cultural ambassadors beyond Bengal’s borders.

On home turf, both Bangladesh and India have rolled out the red carpet. In Bangladesh, the Shilpakala Academy, folklore councils and even the Ministry of Cultural Affairs celebrate Baul fait accompli through annual festivals, training grants for young performers and dedicated Baul corners at literary fests such as the Dhaka Lit Fest. Over in West Bengal, the state’s folk academy and Sangeet Natak Akademi awards regularly honor stand-out Baul singers, shielding this intangible treasure from fading into folklore.

More recently, streaming platforms and social media influencers have picked up Baul tracks—giving them a second wind among Gen Z. Video clips from the 2024 Poush Mela at Santiniketan, where Bauls blend with Rabindranath Tagore’s echoes, have gone viral, proving that these soul-stirring refrains still strike a chord.

Beyond accolades, what truly elevates Baul music is its living tradition: each song carries layers of philosophy on love, freedom and the divine spark. UNESCO’s recognition opened doors, but the real safeguard lies in these itinerant bards, carrying lanterns of wisdom from village to city, keeping the mystic flame alive for generations to come.