Dhaka: To mark the 135th death anniversary of Baul saint and mystic philosopher Lalon Shah, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs today organized a grand musical event at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital, as part of paying tribute to his timeless songs and spiritual legacy. This is the first time the event was held at the national level with the government initiative to accumulate cultures from different parts of the country. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy jointly organized the event.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event began with the screening of a documentary on the life and philosophy of Lalon Shah, followed by a series of soulful musical performances by noted artists including Annie Boiragi, Sukhlal Roy, Shaili, Fahmida Ahmed Shifa, and Baula Band. The evening resonated with the melodies and mystic philosophy of Lalon as thousands of devotees and admirers gathered to immerse themselves in his songs and teachings.
Suhrawardy Udyan took on a serene atmosphere as artists performed one after another, charming the audience in pin-drop silence. Songs such as ‘Allah Allah Bol Re Mon,’ ‘Shob Loke Koy Lalon Ki Jat Shongshare,’ ‘Milon Hobe Koto Dine,’ and ‘Khachar Bhetor Ochin Pakhi’ echoed throughout the venue, transforming the Udyan into a living embodiment of Lalon’s philosophy of unity, love, and humanity. Each performance concluded with thunderous applause and chants of ‘One more, one more,’ reflecting the audience’s deep reverence and emotional connection to the Baul saint.
The night concluded with a powerful performance by Lalon Band, captivating the audience with songs including ‘Jat Gelo,’ ‘Khyaapa,’ ‘Opar Hoye Boshe Achi,’ ‘Shomoy Gele Shadhon Hobe Na,’ ‘Gurur Choron,’ and ‘Pagol.’ Earlier, a brief discussion session was held with the presence of Adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Ministry’s secretary Md Mofidur Rahman, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Director General of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Rezauddin Stalin, and Director General of the Bangladesh National Museum Tanzim Ibn Wahab.
Meanwhile, a three-day Lalon Festival is underway at the Lalon Akhra at Cheuriya in Kumarkhali of Kushtia.