Sadhu Guru Boishnob Recordings  (SGB Recordings) is a record label dedicated to producing high quality field recordings of Baul-Fakir songs and music from Bengal.

Rooted in the land that now comprises Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal, the syncretic spiritual path of the Baul-Fakir draws on, amongst others, Buddhist and Hindu Tantra, Nath yoga, Sufism and Vaishnava-Sahajiya. Referred to as Bauls or Fakirs, reflecting a greater Hindu or Muslim affiliation respectively, or as Baul-Fakir as an assertion that the distinction has little esoteric significance; these women and men are known for their enigmatic songs and heterodox practices.

Baul-Fakir songs are a key means by which the esoteric teachings of this spiritual tradition are conveyed between guru and disciples and between adepts. The songs of Baul-Fakirs in the main are about their sadhana (or spiritual practice), though there are also many songs that are in praise of the guru or songs denouncing caste or orthodoxy.

Our recordings are largely of songs and instrumentals by Baul-Fakirs from what was the Nadia District in the undivided Bengal and now covers the district of Nadia in West Bengal, India and the districts of Chuadanga, Kushtia and Meherpur in Bangladesh. Of the numerous Baul-Fakir lineages that exist in the area, those of Lalon Sai, Delbar Sai, Panju Shah, Sati Ma, and Chowdhury are amongst the most common. It is with adepts from these linages that SGB Recordings mainly works with.

The music presented here on SoundCloud is best listened to through the playlists, which are organised around thematic categories used by Baul-Fakir themselves. 

Sadhu Guru Boishnob Recordings is a not for profit record label, and will use any income from music sales to fund new recording projects and future releases. 


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