The 133rd death anniversary of mystical poet Fakir Lalon Shah, the most prominent figure in the country's baul tradition, will be observed at Chheuriya in Kushtia on Tuesday amid adequate security measures.
Marking the day, Lalon Academy and the Cultural Affairs Ministry have jointly organized a three-day fair starting on Tuesday on the bank of the river Kaliganga at Chheuriya, Kushtia, where Lalon's shrine is located. Lalon devotees and enthusiasts from across the country are expected to attend the program, which will feature discussions and presentations of Lalon songs.
Joint General Secretary of the Bangladesh Awami League Mahbubul Alam Hanif will inaugurate the festival. The theme of this year’s festival is "Manush Bhojle Sonar Manush Hobi".
Discussions on Lalon Shah's life and works will be held every evening, and Lalon songs will be sung by Bauls coming from different parts of the country at the Lalon Mancha in Chheuriya.
M D Nazrul Islam, a Lalon fan from Dhaka visiting the shrine, told Dhaka Tribune that he was overwhelmed to see such an arrangement ahead of the festival. He said it was his first visit to the shrine.
Another fan, Arshi, said she visited the shrine several times before as she liked the environment of the place.
Taijul Ali Khan, member of the ad hoc committee of the Lalon Academy, said that they are expecting a huge gathering at the festival, as thousands will come from around the country.
Polash Kanti Nath, additional superintendent of police in Kushtia, said they have strengthened security around the shrine. Plain-clothed policemen will also be deployed during the three-day festival, he added.
Deputy Commissioner and President of Lalon Academy Ehtesham Reza said they have made all necessary preparations ahead of the festival and are ready to welcome guests.
Earlier this month, dozens of devotees and civil society members formed a human chain at the Akhrabari in Chheuria , demanding that the authorities stop doing business centring the yearly events.
The protesters also asked the government to stop drug abuse and other indecent activities during the fair and allocate more space for the devotees who come to the shrine from different parts of Bangladesh. Speakers alleged that the local administration leased the fair for Tk29 lakh without thinking about the saints and devotees.