About

Welcome to TarkataZ—a place where every corner holds a story, every song celebrates tradition, and every visit supports a mission much larger than hospitality. Our journey began with a shared dream: to create a space where travelers could feel the heartbeat of Bengal’s folk culture while connecting with nature and local artistry. This dream took shape in the form of Golok Ecospace, nestled along the peaceful banks of the Ajay River in Joydev Kenduli, surrounded by the lush greenery that makes this place truly magical.

Our Eco friendly artspace is more than just a getaway. It’s part of TarkataZ, an initiative that aims to keep Bengal’s cultural heritage alive, accessible, and thriving. Founded with a deep respect for folk traditions, TarkataZ brings together musicians, artists, and travelers, creating a vibrant community that bridges the old with the new. We believe that art, music, and cultural traditions hold the power to unite people and spark inspiration, and our homestay has become a canvas for this vision.

Our Mission: Celebrating Culture, Supporting Community

 

Through TarkataZ, we are on a mission to celebrate and support Bengal’s rich folk heritage. Every event, every workshop, and every evening spent around a bonfire listening to soulful Baul songs contributes to a greater purpose—empowering local artists, sharing their talents with the world, and fostering cultural understanding. Each experience at TarkataZ is thoughtfully crafted to honor the artistry, stories, and wisdom passed down through generations.

Since our doors opened, TarkataZ has become a retreat for music and nature lovers, as well as for travellers seeking more than just sightseeing. From music workshops with celebrated Baul masters to painting sessions that draw from the beauty around us, we’ve created a sanctuary where people can rediscover the beauty of simple joys, deep connections, and artistic expression. Along the way, we’ve been grateful for the warmth and curiosity that each guest brings to this journey, and we’re proud to see a growing community inspired by the magic of Bengal.

Timeline Highlights:

2016: TarkataZ is founded with a passion for art and music.

2019: Participation in West Bengal State Handicrafts Expo begins.

2020: Golok Ecospace, a riverside artspace opens at Joydev Kenduli.

2025: Reached 12,000+ community members on Facebook and 4000+ on TarkataZ in YouTube.

 

👣 The Founder’s Vision

Meet the Founder — Souvik Roy

TarkataZ was founded by Souvik Roy, a photographer, traveler, and cultural archivist whose lens has always been drawn to the human stories hidden in everyday life. Through years of journeys across villages and riversides, Souvik Roy discovered that the most profound lessons often come not from classrooms, but from the simple words and lived experiences of common people.

With a deep respect for folk wisdom and the human spirit, the founder began documenting faces, voices, and songs that reflect Bengal’s soul — stories of faith, labor, devotion, and resilience. Each photograph and video became a piece of a larger narrative: how culture, art, and humanity intertwine in the rhythm of daily life.

Their vision was simple yet profound:

“Every face tells a story, every story holds a lesson — and through the lens, humanity becomes our shared classroom.”

This vision gave birth to TarkataZ, a creative platform where photography, film, and folk expression come together to educate, inspire, and connect people. By archiving not only performances but also the personal philosophies of the artists and villagers themselves, Souvik Roy seeks to preserve Bengal’s oral traditions while presenting them as living lessons in empathy, creativity, and coexistence.

Under their guidance, TarkataZ continues to evolve as a visual classroom without walls — where culture becomes education, and every photograph or song reminds us of our shared humanity.

At TarkataZ, our values are at the heart of everything we do. They guide us in creating experiences that are both meaningful and memorable, ensuring that every guest feels connected to the rich heritage of Bengal. Here’s what we stand by:

1. Cultural Preservation
   We believe that every art form, song, and story passed down through generations is a gift worth protecting. Our events and workshops are dedicated to keeping Bengal’s folk traditions alive, sharing them with new generations, and respecting the wisdom of our cultural roots.
2. Community Empowerment
   Our journey wouldn’t be possible without the artists, musicians, and craftspeople who make Bengal’s culture so vibrant. We strive to support and uplift our local community, creating opportunities for artists to share their talents and sustain their livelihoods.
3. Authentic Experiences
   We aim to offer guests an experience that feels genuine and immersive. From our homestay’s rustic charm to the hands-on activities we offer, every detail is thoughtfully designed to bring the beauty of rural Bengal to life.
4. Connection to Nature
   Situated along the peaceful Ajoy River at Joydeb Kenduli in Birbhum district of West Bengal, we recognize the power of nature in inspiring creativity and fostering well-being. We are committed to maintaining an eco-friendly environment that respects and nurtures the natural beauty around us, encouraging guests to connect with nature in meaningful ways.
5. Inclusivity and Openness
   Art, music, and culture have the power to bring people together. We welcome visitors from all walks of life, fostering a space where people can share, learn, and grow through the universal language of creativity and expression.
6. Sustainable Tourism
   We are dedicated to creating a tourism model that respects both the environment and local culture. By promoting responsible tourism practices, we hope to minimize our impact while maximizing the positive effects on our community and guests.

These values shape the experiences we offer, the connections we build, and the vision we share for a world that celebrates cultural richness. We’re honored to share this journey with every visitor, artist, and partner who walks through our doors.

TarkataZ : A Visual Archive of Bengal’s Folk Traditions & Festivals

Since 2016, TarkataZ has been dedicated to capturing the soul of Bengal’s grassroots culture through immersive storytelling and authentic interactions with folk musicians. This YouTube channel serves as a digital archive, documenting the lives and traditions of Bauls, Fakirs, and other custodians of Bengal’s rich musical heritage. Beyond folk music, TarkataZ also explores vibrant festivals and travel experiences across India, bringing viewers closer to the region’s diverse cultural landscapes. Whether it’s the rhythm of a dotara by the riverside, the mesmerizing chants at a rural fair, or the untold stories of wandering minstrels, each video is a window into a world where tradition meets the present.

Explore our TarkataZ video gallery below and embark on a journey through Bengal’s timeless melodies and cultural wonders.

 

 

🎵 Artists We Work With

At TarkataZ, our heart beats through the people we document and collaborate with.
We’ve had the honor of working closely with Baul masters, Fakirs, and folk artists who represent the living essence of Bengal’s spiritual music.

Some of the artists featured in our archives include:

• Sadhan Das Bairagya Baul – Revered for his soulful renditions and deep understanding of Baul philosophy.

• Anathbandhu Ghosh Baul – A master of Geetagovindam, Lalon’s songs, spreading messages of universal love and awakening.

• Kanai Das Baul – Devotee of Tara Maa, known for his divine Shyama Sangeet and teaching of Bengali devotional music.

• Parvathy Baul – Globally acclaimed performer and spiritual teacher whose art bridges mysticism and devotion.

• Kangal Khyapa – Dotara maestro and son of the legendary Tarok Das Baul, keeping his father’s musical legacy alive.

Their songs, stories, and performances are being documented through videos, blogs, and field recordings available on our TarkataZ YouTube Channel and this website — forming a digital archive of Bengal’s living heritage.

What people think about us

 

Our journey is just beginning, and every visitor becomes part of this unfolding story. When you stay with us, attend an event, or join a workshop, you’re not only experiencing Bengal’s traditions firsthand—you’re also helping to preserve them for future generations. At TarkataZ, we’re excited to continue this path, sharing Bengal’s timeless spirit with all who come through our doors.