Tuesday, October 17 marked the 133rd death anniversary of the revered Baul mystic Fakir Lalon Shah. To commemorate the occasion, a three-day remembrance festival began at his shrine in Cheuriya, Kumarkhali, Kushtia. The event is organized by the local Lalon Academy, supported by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and overseen by the Kushtia district administration.
🎪 Festival Highlights
- The festival includes a Lalon Mela (fair), discussions on Lalon’s philosophy, tributes, and musical performances.
- A rural fair has already sprung up along the banks of the dried-up Kaliganga River.
- Devotees, Bauls, and spiritual followers from across the country have gathered at the Akhra to participate.
🛡️ Security Measures
Security has been tightened around the shrine and surrounding areas. Police, RAB, and plainclothes law enforcement officers have been deployed, and the shrine is under CCTV surveillance.
🎤 Opening Ceremony & Theme
The festival was inaugurated Tuesday evening by Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Joint General Secretary of the Awami League. This year’s theme is: “Worship humanity to become the golden human.”
🎶 Voices from the Akhra
Visitors shared their emotional connection to Lalon’s teachings:
- Nazrul Islam from Uttara, Dhaka said, “I’ve long wished to visit Lalon’s shrine. Hearing his songs before was one thing—being here in person is deeply moving.”
- Md. Nazrul Islam from Ullapara, Sirajganj added, “I’ve seen this place from afar for years. Now I see so many devotees gathered. Lalon Shah was a profound spiritual figure. I came to learn and understand.”
📢 Organizers’ Remarks
Taizal Ali Khan, a member of the Lalon Academy’s ad hoc committee, noted that thousands of devotees have already begun arriving, and the turnout is expected to be massive—just like previous years.
📜 Historical Context
Fakir Lalon Shah, a legendary mystic of the Indian subcontinent, spread a message of humanism and spiritual unity through Baul music. Since his passing on 1 Kartik 1297 Bangla calendar, this annual festival has been held in his honor at Cheuriya.
