“Worship humanity and you’ll become the golden human / Without loving people, you’ll lose your essence”—these lines echo the core of Lalon Shah’s philosophy. A mystic, reformer, and humanist, Lalon preached unity, compassion, and spiritual love throughout his life. Whether seen as a saint, a Baul singer, or a philosophical thinker, his teachings all point to one truth: love for humanity is love for the Creator.
🕊️ Commemorating Lalon’s Legacy
Thursday marked the 134th anniversary of Lalon Shah’s passing. To honor him, a three-day remembrance festival began at his spiritual center in Cheuriya, Kushtia. Despite the mild autumn heat, the Akhrabari was bustling with devotees and visitors.
Many followers say they visit twice a year—not just for celebration, but for spiritual renewal. It’s a place where souls connect, where emotions are exchanged, and where they leave purified, hoping to return again.
👥 Mass Gathering of Devotees
On the first day, hundreds of thousands of devotees, Bauls, and visitors gathered at the shrine. Lalon, who appeared at Kaliganga Ghat during a full moon in spring, is remembered on this day for his spiritual wisdom and humanistic teachings.
🎤 The festival was officially inaugurated at 6:30 PM by Farida Akhter, advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. The event will continue until Saturday, with Bauls forming small groups across the open fields near the Kaliganga river, singing Lalon’s songs and spreading his message of nonviolence and spiritual unity.
🎪 Lalon Mela and Cultural Exchange
A vibrant fair has been set up in front of the open stage, with stalls selling food and goods. The area is lively with visitors from diverse backgrounds, drawn by the music and philosophy.
Each evening, the open stage hosts discussions on Lalon’s life followed by musical sessions. Over 800 law enforcement personnel have been deployed to ensure safety.
🧘 Voices from the Festival
Fakir Abu Taher from Sirajganj shared, “This is our place of spiritual learning. We come here for self-realization, and Lalon Shah is the backbone of that journey.”
Fakir Abul Kalam from Daulatpur, Kushtia, added, “At Lalon’s Akhra, there’s no discrimination. Loving people is loving the Creator.”
🎶 Tributes Through Music and Philosophy
At the National Theatre Hall in Dhaka, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy hosted a parallel three-day event titled Lalon Smaran Utsab and Ashasindhu Tire. The opening ceremony was led by Sharmin S Murshid, advisor to the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.
Director General Dr. Syed Jamil Ahmed presided over the event, with welcome remarks by Mostafa Zaman, Director of the Fine Arts Department. Artists Arup Rahi and Zahura Fakirani performed songs and philosophical verses to honor Lalon’s legacy.
