Sanatan Das Baul
Sanatan Das Thakur Baul was born at Khulna, Bangladesh. His family had embraced the Baul tradition for at least four previous generations, so the young Sanatan was immersed in the culture of Baul dharma, song and dance from an early age. His initiatory guru in the tradition was Nitai Khepa, who introduced him to the Baul sadhana or spiritual practice. Later, the great Monohor Khepa gave him instruction in the intricacies of the music. Today, he lives on a small ashram in Khoirboni, a village in the Bankura district of Bengal, with his wife, Mirabai and an extended family. Many come to him for spiritual guidance in the Baul tradition. He travels occasionally, communicating the love for and longing for the Beloved (the Man of the Heart, in Baul tradition) through his music. Sanatan is particularly appreciated for his attractive dancing which, like his singing, has more conscious artistry about it than that of most Bauls. He is one of the few Bauls who is occasionally asked to perform on All India Radio Calcutta.