The 134th death anniversary of the subcontinent's spiritual guru and Baul King, Fakir Lalon Shah, will be observed on Thursday.
To commemorate the occasion, a three-day Lalon folk fest has been organized at the Lalon shrine in Cheuriya, Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia.
Every evening, there will be discussions followed by Lalon music performances.
The fair will begin on Thursday, lasting for three days, with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Kushtia District Administration, and organized by the Lalon Academy.
Upon visiting the site, it was observed that the number of Lalon devotees and visitors continues to grow. Even before the fair's commencement, the shrine area has transformed into a gathering of devotees.
Groups of followers are seen singing Lalon's songs, discussing his teachings and ideals. The entire shrine area has become lively with the sound of Lalon's music.
Followers have set up temporary camps around the shrine, the open fields, and along the banks of the Kali River.
A rural fair has also sprung up on the riverbank, with vendors setting up a variety of stalls in the surrounding areas.
Khandaker Zahidul Islam, who arrived with his family, said: “We came from Jhenaidah to Cheuriya a few days ago. I’m a devoted follower of Lalon. Hundreds of other devotees like me have also come here. People are still arriving from various districts every day.”
He added: “I feel great, and I expect this year’s fair to be much larger.”
Dipu Shah, a baul artist from the Lalon Academy, said: "When the Lalon festival was previously halted, it caused deep disappointment among the sadhus and gurus. But now, we are able to celebrate Lalon’s death anniversary again, and we are fully prepared to ensure the event is successful.”
“As long as we live, we will continue to spread the teachings of Sai," he added.
One of the visitors said: “I feel really good being here. The camps set up by Lalon’s devotees are amazing to see. Listening to them sing Lalon’s songs is a wonderful experience. The whole area is filled with the essence of his teachings and music.”
Several members of the Lalon Academy mentioned that Fakir Lalon Shah used to host vibrant, spiritually enriching events with his followers during his lifetime.
To continue this tradition, devotees from across the country and abroad gather at the shrine every year on the first of Kartik to commemorate his passing.
The crowds at the shrine and surrounding areas are immense, and this year is no different, with thousands arriving well before the festival begins.
Devotees sing Lalon’s songs, which are filled with spiritual messages of human liberation, creating a unique atmosphere at the shrine.
Numerous visitors also gather to listen to the songs and explore the shrine.
Baul saint Kofil Shah said: "Lalon’s teachings place humanity above all else. All the answers to life’s mysteries can be found in his songs. Yet, understanding Lalon completely is something we may never achieve. I've spent my whole life searching for Lalon’s essence, and as time passes, his life and songs continue to have a growing influence on people."
He further added: “Sai lived for 116 years. Despite this long life, he has never faded into obscurity. Instead, the brilliance of his creation has grown, spreading far and wide. Fakir Lalon Shah’s enchanting influence has spanned centuries, and that influence continues to expand. Countless people are delving into his vast world of creation, searching for Lalon himself."
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Kushtia and president of the Lalon Academy’s ad hoc committee, Sharmin Akhter, confirmed: “We have organized a three-day Lalon Fair in honor of the 134th death anniversary of Baul Emperor Fakir Lalon Shah. Every evening, starting from 6:30pm, there will be a discussion session, followed by Lalon music.”
“We are making all necessary preparations for the event,” she added.
Sharmin Akhter further mentioned that security has been heightened around the shrine and its surrounding areas, with law enforcement on hand to prevent any untoward incidents.
On the first of Kartik in 1890, the renowned spiritual leader and Baul emperor Fakir Lalon Shah passed away.
Since then, the Lalon Academy and the district administration have been organizing this death anniversary celebration at the shrine in Cheuriya, Kumarkhali upazila.
