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Kushtia: A three-day programme marking the 136th death anniversary of Baul mystic Fakir Lalon Shah began at his shrine in Chheuriya Akhra Bari in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia on Saturday, drawing thousands of devotees, followers and visitors from home and abroad.
The programme, organised by the Kushtia district administration under the supervision of Lalon Academy with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, will continue until Monday, October 19.
Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury is scheduled to inaugurate the formal programme at the Lalon Academy premises this evening, with Cultural Affairs Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman attending as the guest of honour.
Deputy Commissioner and Lalon Academy President Md Touhid Bin-Hasan will chair the inaugural ceremony, while essayist Dr Rashidun Nabi will deliver the keynote address.
Former Kushtia district BNP president and former lawmaker 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 are expected to attend as special guests.
Lalon devotees and spiritual practitioners Hridoy Shah and Asma Khanam will deliver welcome addresses on behalf of Lalon Academy.
Following the inauguration and discussion, renowned Baul singers from across the country and performers from Lalon Academy will present Lalon songs on the Lalon stage at night.
Beyond the formal celebrations, the shrine has become a meeting place for devotees seeking spiritual fulfilment through traditional practices, songs and discussions centred on Lalon’s philosophy of humanity, equality and self-discovery.
Many devotees arrived at the Akhra Bari a day or two before the anniversary. They have been taking part in morning and afternoon devotional gatherings, sharing the mystic’s teachings through songs and spiritual discussions.
At the shrine auditorium, Baul performers were seen singing to traditional instruments, including the dotara, as hundreds of listeners gathered to enjoy their soulful renditions.
Fakir Rashid Shah, a devotee staying in a corner of the shrine complex, said the spiritual significance of the occasion should not be overshadowed by the formal celebrations.
He said devotees travelled long distances to find spiritual peace and fulfil their inner longing through Lalon’s teachings.
Baul practitioner Hridoy Shah described the annual gathering as an integral part of the lives of those who follow the mystic’s philosophy.
Drawing a parallel with the Greek philosopher Socrates’ famous dictum, “Know thyself”, he said Lalon’s teachings continued to inspire people to pursue humanity and self-awareness in their daily lives.
Lalon Shah died on October 17, 1890, corresponding to the first day of Kartik in the Bengali year 1297. His death anniversary has been observed at Chheuriya for generations, with devotees considering the shrine a sacred destination for spiritual reflection and communion.
This year’s observance aims to preserve the mystic’s enduring message of humanity and universal brotherhood through discussions, devotional practices and cultural performances.
Lalon Academy President and Kushtia Deputy Commissioner Md Touhid Bin-Hasan said all preparations for the three-day programme had been completed.
“Like previous years, we have taken all necessary administrative measures to ensure the discussions on Lalon’s philosophy and songs, along with the cultural programmes, are held safely and peacefully,” he said.