Lalon’s timeless philosophy to echo through memorial events

The 136th death anniversary (Tirodhan Dibash) of Fakir Lalon Shah, one of Bengal’s most influential mystic philosophers and Baul saints, is being observed today through a series of programmes in Kushtia and Dhaka.

Lalon Shah, also known as Lalon Fakir, composed numerous songs conveying messages of humanity, devotion and spiritual equality. His timeless compositions, including “Khanchar Bhitar Ochin Pakhi”, “Barir Kachhe Arshi Nagar” and “Amar Gharkhanai Ke Biraj Kore”, are regarded as invaluable treasures of Baul philosophical and musical tradition.

The main programme marking the anniversary will be held at Lalon Akhra (Lalon Akhrabari) in Cheuriya under Kumarkhali Upazila of Kushtia.

A traditional three-day memorial festival and fair will bring together Bauls, devotees and followers from different parts of the country for musical performances, discussions and spiritual gatherings highlighting Lalon’s enduring philosophy of humanism.

Organised by Lalon Academy, the festival will continue until 19 October on the academy premises. The programmes will include an inaugural ceremony, discussion sessions, speeches by distinguished personalities and performances of Lalon songs every evening.

The festival will formally begin with an inaugural ceremony and discussion session at 3:00pm today. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury is scheduled to attend the event as the chief guest, while Adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Dr Zahed Ur Rahman will attend as a special guest.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organised a commemorative programme at the Jatiya Natyashala Auditorium in the capital to mark the occasion.

The programme has been organised by the academy’s Music, Dance and Recitation Department under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

Yasmin Begum, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, will attend as the chief guest, while artist and researcher Professor Dr Ahmed Shakil Hashmi will deliver the keynote speech. The programme will be presided over by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Director General (in-charge) of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

The second segment of the programme will begin with a group musical performance by vocalists of Shilpakala Academy.

Renowned Baul and folk artistes, including Kangalini Sufia, Aleya Begum, Latif Shah, Nasrin Sultana Beauty, Suman Roy, Kaniz Khandaker Mitu, Biman Chandra Biswas, Pakhi Bauliana and Mousumi Iqbal, will then perform Lalon songs.

Artistes from Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sanskritik Sangstha (JASAS) will also take part in the cultural programme.

Featuring discussions on the life, philosophy and legacy of Lalon Shah alongside performances of his songs, the programme will be open to the public.

In another programme marking the anniversary, eight artistes—Shafi Mondal, Dolly Mondal, Akash Gayen, Abu Rashed, Shanta Islam, Nobel, Kanan Molla and Rahmatullah—will perform at Payra Chattar on the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) premises of Dhaka University.

Through the commemorative events, admirers and followers will pay tribute to Lalon’s enduring message of humanity, harmony and spiritual freedom, a philosophy encapsulated in his call to recognise the value of human beings above divisions of caste, creed and social identity.