The Indian High Commission in Dhaka, through the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), commemorated the 135th Death Anniversary of Fakir Lalon Shah with a soulful musical evening titled ‘Lalon Sandhya’ on Thursday (October 16) at the Liberation War Museum (LWM) auditorium in the capital.
The evening also paid a heartfelt tribute to the recently deceased ‘Queen of Lalon Geeti’, the late Farida Parveen, drawing a distinguished audience of artists, scholars, music lovers and admirers from all walks of life.
Dedicated to the mystic bard of Bengal, the event celebrated Lalon Shah’s timeless message of unity, humanism and inclusiveness: ideals that continue to resonate across India and Bangladesh.
Born in Kushtia, Lalon’s philosophy of harmony beyond religion, caste, or class has long symbolized the spiritual and cultural kinship between the two nations. His songs, steeped in the Baul tradition, echo the essence of both the Bhakti and Sufi movements, a testament to shared heritage and mutual respect.
In his inaugural address, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma reflected on the enduring bond between India and Bangladesh as mirrored in Lalon’s life and music. “Lalon’s philosophy of inclusion, harmony and compassion transcends borders and continues to inspire both nations,” he said.
Paying tribute to Farida Parveen, Verma added that her music “bridged generations and nations,” serving as a living link between the two cultures through her countless performances in both countries.
The evening began with moving musical tributes to Farida Parveen, whose legacy remains deeply etched in Bangladesh’s cultural consciousness. The night’s opening performances included screenings of her famous Lalon song ‘Barir Kache Arshinagar’ translated into Hindi by former Indian High Commissioner Muchkund Dubey; followed by a soulful flute recital by her husband and Ekushey Padak recipient flautist Gazi Abdul Hakim.
The live performances kicked off with her disciple and Close-Up 1 famed acclaimed singer Nasrin Akter Beauty’s captivating rendition of Barir Kachhe Arshinagar and ‘Khachar Vitor Ochin Pakhi’ and the next choral renditions were presented after that by students of Farida Parveen’s institution, Ochin Pakhi Cultural Academy, who performed two songs including the popular Lalon track ‘Milon Hobe Koto Dine’.
Popular Baul singer Tuntun Baul and his troupe from Kushtia then took the stage and captivated the audience with authentic Baul melodies. The singer performed two soulful Lalon songs: ‘Lonthone Ruper Baati’ and ‘Bolo Sorup Kothay Amar Sadher Pyari’.
The cultural segment that followed featured celebrated performers Chandana Majumdar and Kiran Chandra Roy, both revered for preserving the Lalon tradition in modern Bangladesh. They individually performed several popular Lalon songs including ‘Aar Amare Marish Ne Maa’ and ‘Tin Gorbhe Ache Ek Chele’.
Lalon scholar Abdel Mannan then offered an insightful talk on the mystic’s philosophy and its growing relevance today. The event concluded with a vibrant performance by popular fusion band Lalon, led by its iconic vocalist Sumi, infusing contemporary energy into Lalon’s timeless message.
The band enamored the audiences with three popular Lalon songs: ‘Chatok Bache Kemone’, ‘Somoy Gele Shadhon Hobe Na’ and ‘Khepa Re’.
Veteran actor Afzal Hossain served as the Master of Ceremonies, weaving together reflections on Lalon’s life and philosophy throughout the evening, while the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) Director Ann Mary George served as the night’s host.
Ultimately, Lalon Sandhya stood as a poignant celebration, not only honouring Fakir Lalon Shah and Farida Parveen, but also reaffirming the enduring cultural bridge between Bangladesh and India, where music, mysticism and humanity continue to meet in perfect harmony.
