The Jhumur folk genre has been a way of life for rural communities in the regions on the western frontiers of West Bengal. Other than Santals, practically every community, particularly in Purulia and Bankura, has a deep rooted connection with this genre.  Bhakti Banwar, a Jhumur singer from a remote village in Purulia, grew up to the sound of music around her. Though she sang well, but did not pay it much heed, since it was so commonplace. Everyone around her knew the songs and could sing, but they all did so for their own pleasure. Her brothers however often participated in programs. 

It was only when she was in her forties, more than twenty years ago, that she decided to turn to music professionally, on the strength of her talent. She trained under "ostads" who accompanied her expertly on the madol. She has a large repertoire of the  songs of the region - Jhumur and its numerous classifications, (but not Darbari Jhumur, which she said was usually the domain of Nachnis), Tusu, Bhadu, Karam and Bihargeet (wedding songs) and makes her living through her stage performances, accompanied by a group of dancers and musicians. 

She looks forward to more opportunities and is hopeful that perhaps one day she would be able to sing on TV.