Fakir Lalon Shah’s songs and philosophy will take centre stage at commemorative programmes in Dhaka and Kushtia as Bangladesh marks the 136th anniversary of the Baul mystic’s death on 17 October.
The celebrations will centre on Lalon Akhra in Cheuriya, Kumarkhali, Kushtia, where Lalon Academy has organised a three-day festival and fair running until 19 October.
Baul performers, devotees and followers from across the country will gather for musical performances, discussions and spiritual events celebrating his humanist philosophy.
The festival will open with a ceremony and discussion at 3pm on Saturday. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury is scheduled to attend as chief guest, while cultural affairs adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman will join as special guest.
In Dhaka, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will host a commemorative programme at the Jatiya Natyashala Auditorium under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
Ministry Secretary Yasmin Begum will attend as chief guest, while artist and researcher Professor Dr Ahmed Shakil Hashmi will deliver the keynote address.
The programme will feature a group performance by Shilpakala Academy vocalists, followed by Lalon songs performed by 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.
Artistes from Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sanskritik Sangstha will also participate. The event will be open to the public.
Another commemorative performance will take place at Payra Chattar on Dhaka University’s Teacher-Student Centre premises. Shafi Mondal, Dolly Mondal, Akash Gayen, Abu Rashed, Shanta Islam, Nobel, Kanan Molla and Rahmatullah are scheduled to perform.
Known for songs such as ‘Khanchar Bhitar Ochin Pakhi’, ‘Barir Kachhe Arshi Nagar’ and ‘Amar Gharkhanai Ke Biraj Kore’, Lalon remains a defining figure in Bengal’s Baul tradition. His work explores humanity, spiritual freedom and equality, challenging divisions based on caste, creed and social identity.
