Fans have thronged Chheuria in Kushtia marking the 132nd death anniversary of Lalon Shah, the preceptor of Baul asceticism, composer and singer of Baul songs, social reformer, and secular thinker.
The Lalon Academy, in association with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, is organizing the event. Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif will inaugurate the event on Monday afternoon.
Dhaka TribuneOn this day in 1890, Lalon Sai passed away at the Akhra Bari (Shrine) in Chheuria.
Hundreds of admirers from home and abroad have already gathered at the shrine.
The festival will feature performances by singers from Bangladesh and India alongside regular events, including folk fare and discussions.
Dhaka TribuneTight security has been put in place to ensure the safety of the devotees.
Ripon Shah, the acting caretaker of the shrine, told Dhaka Tribune that they were expecting a bigger crowd this year.
Vendors from different parts of Kushtia have gathered at the shrine with various items to participate in the fair. He said a discussion and musical event would take place in the evening during the three-day festival.
Dhaka TribuneLalon Shah's philosophy has become an icon of religious tolerance and secularism in Bengali culture.
However, in recent years, dozens of Baul fans have come under targeted fatal attacks and assaults perpetrated by religious fanatics.