Kushtia: The Lalon Smaron Utshab (Lalon Memorial Festival) will be celebrated nationally for the first time, marking the 135th death anniversary of mystic saint Lalon Shah.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the three-day festival will take place from October 17 to 19 with the theme “Manush Bhojle Sonar Manush Hobi” (If you love people, you will become a worthy person). The event aims to bring together devotees, bauls, and musicians from across the country for a grand celebration of Lalon’s life, music, and philosophy.
In Cheuria, Kumarkhali, Kushtia, home to the revered Lalon Akhra, the festival is set to transform the shrine into a vibrant gathering of faith, music, and reflection. Since the Bengali Year of 1297, following Lalon Shah’s death, these grounds have been a place of spiritual gathering. From dawn to dusk, the festival will resonate with bhaav-geeti, soulful baul performances, and philosophical discussions, celebrating Lalon’s vision of spiritual freedom and human unity.
The government announced on September 4 that October 17 will be observed annually as the death anniversary of Lalon Shah under the “Ka” category national day. All concerned ministries, divisions, and agencies have been instructed to ensure the proper observance of this day.
Extensive preparations by the district administration are underway. Cultural Affairs Ministry Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki will officially inaugurate the festival on Friday evening. Devotees and followers of Lalon are delighted that the festival has been declared a national day.
This year, the Lalon Academy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the district administration, has organized the three-day event. Lalon followers, devotees, and visitors from across the country and abroad have already begun arriving at Saiji’s Dham to remember and glimpse the spiritual guru Fakir Lalon. They come seeking knowledge, spiritual purification, and peace.
Deputy Commissioner of Kushtia Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arefin stated to BSS that noted singers and artists from the academy will perform Lalon Fakir’s spiritual songs every night. Discussions will also be held on the main stage of Akhrabari.
Regarding security measures, a large Lalon fair is being organized on the banks of the Kali River at the Akhrabari premises. Stringent security measures, including CCTV and watch towers, have been implemented to ensure safety.