Kushtia:A three-day programme honoring the 136th death anniversary of Baul mystic Fakir Lalon Shah has commenced at his shrine in Chheuriya Akhra Bari, Kumarkhali upazila. The event has attracted thousands of devotees, followers, and visitors both from within the country and abroad.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Kushtia district administration is organizing the event under the supervision of Lalon Academy, with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, MP, is set to inaugurate the formal programme at the Lalon Academy premises. Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Cultural Affairs Adviser, will attend as the guest of honour.
Deputy Commissioner and Lalon Academy President Md Touhid Bin-Hasan will chair the inaugural ceremony, with noted essayist Dr. Rashidun Nabi delivering the keynote address. Several other dignitaries, including former Kushtia district BNP president Syed Mehedi Ahmed Rumi, Kushtia-1 lawmaker Reza Ahmed, reserved-seat MP Farida Yasmin, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs AKM Abdullah Khan, and Kushtia Superintendent of Police Aminul Islam, will participate as special guests.
The programme features Lalon devotees and spiritual practitioners like Hridoy Shah and Asma Khanam, who will deliver welcome addresses. Following the ceremony, renowned Baul singers and performers from Lalon Academy will present Lalon songs.
The shrine has become a focal point for devotees engaging in spiritual practices, songs, and discussions on Lalon's philosophy of humanity, equality, and self-discovery. Many devotees arrived early to participate in traditional devotional services and gatherings to exchange teachings through song.
Within the shrine's auditorium, Baul followers perform with traditional instruments, drawing hundreds of listeners. Fakir Rashid Shah, a devotee staying at the shrine, emphasized the spiritual importance of the occasion, noting that devotees travel long distances for spiritual peace through Lalon's teachings.
Baul practitioner Hridoy Shah highlighted the annual gathering's significance, drawing parallels to Socrates' dictum, "Know thyself," and affirming Lalon's teachings as a source of inspiration for self-awareness.
Lalon Shah passed away on October 17, 1890, and his death anniversary has been traditionally observed at Chheuriya, with devotees considering the shrine a sacred place for reflection. This year's observance aims to uphold his message of humanity and universal brotherhood through discussions and cultural performances.
Md Touhid Bin-Hasan stated that all preparations for the event are complete, ensuring that the discussions and cultural programmes proceed safely and peacefully.