A Song Kept in Wood

Even when it is not being played, the ektara holds the memory of the music it was built for. Its round body, thin neck and single string evoke a sound that has been echoing through the fields and fairs of Bengal for generations and this piece is really about holding that form and making it accessible.

In Hand or on Display

Standing at 17 inches tall, it stands well on a wall mount, bookshelf or corner of a music room and for those curious to try, the string can still be plucked, giving the piece a life beyond just being looked at.

An Homage to the Bauls

Baul singers are famous for their wandering, spiritual style of music, using instruments as basic as this one to carry songs about the self, the divine, and everything in between. Having an ektara at home is a small way of clinging to that tradition, even for someone who has never sung a note of it.

Looking After It

Avoid direct sunlight, damp rooms and sudden changes of temperature and occasionally wipe the wood with a soft dry cloth. 

Heritage Kolkata's Promise

Each one of our products is hand-crafted by talented artisans and never mass-produced. We design every item we sell to bring a piece of the folk music tradition of Bengal into your home, to be admired quietly or to be played.