The air in Cheuria, Kushtia, has turned into a symphony of ektaras and mystic songs once again. Every October, this sacred village, home to the akhra (spiritual abode) of Fakir Lalon Shah, becomes a pilgrimage for thousands.
This year, the Lalon Smaron Utshab carries a deeper resonance. For the first time, the festival is being observed as a national event, marking the 135th death anniversary of the mystic saint who taught generations that to know humanity is to understand the divine.
The three-day celebration began on Friday, 17 October, at the banks of the Kali River in Kumarkhali, and it will continue until Sunday, 19 October. Devotees, Bauls and followers from across Bangladesh and abroad have gathered in Cheuria.
They transformed the usually serene akhra into a living sea of faith, rhythm and spiritual discourse. Alongside the nightly Baul performances, there were discussion sessions and a special photographic exhibition in memory of the late Lalon singer Farida Parveen.
Organisers noted that the event’s growing scale and global interest reflect Lalon’s timeless relevance. “Lalon’s music and humanist philosophy continue to inspire free thinkers and spiritual seekers worldwide,” said one organiser.
The festival was inaugurated on Friday evening by Cultural Affairs Ministry Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, who joined virtually. World-renowned scholar and literary critic Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak attended in person as the chief discussant, reflecting on Lalon’s philosophy of equality and transcendence beyond caste, creed and religion.
Organised by the Lalon Academy in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and the Kushtia district administration, the Lalon Smaron Utshab marks a new chapter in the state’s recognition of Lalon’s enduring influence. Earlier this year, the government declared October 17 a National Observance Day under the “Ka” category to honour the saint’s contribution to Bengali spirituality and humanism.
As the sun set over the Kali River, the muktomoncho (open stage) came alive with Lalon’s timeless songs. Bauls, including Tuntun Baul, Sunil Karmakar, Rowshan Fakir and many more, filled the night with melodies of divine love and unity, while incense smoke curled into the cool Kushtia air.
The celebration extended beyond Kushtia this year. The Lalon Smaron Utshab was also held at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan yesterday (October 18). Artists like Aleya Begum, Lalon Band, Bengal Symphony, Pothik Nobi, Baula Band and others brought Lalon’s songs to the heart of the capital. They celebrated the eternal message of love, simplicity and freedom.
In Cheuria, meanwhile, the songs go on. It is a reminder that Lalon’s spirit is not confined to time, place or creed, but lives on in every heart that dares to seek truth through love.
