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 the district today (17 October), drawing thousands of devotees, followers and visitors from home and abroad.
The programme, which will continue until Monday, 19 October, is being organised by the Kushtia district administration under the supervision of Lalon Academy, with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, MP, is scheduled to inaugurate the formal programme at the Lalon Academy premises this evening. Cultural Affairs Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman will attend as the guest of honour.
Deputy Commissioner and Lalon Academy President Md Touhid Bin-Hasan will chair the inaugural ceremony. Noted 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 will 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 inaugural ceremony and discussion, renowned Baul singers from across the country and performers of Lalon Academy will present Lalon songs on the Lalon stage at night.
Beyond the formal programme, the shrine has become a gathering place for devotees who come to commemorate the mystic through spiritual practices, songs and discussions reflecting his philosophy of humanity, equality and self-discovery.
Many devotees arrived at the Akhra Bari a day or two ahead of the anniversary. They are participating in traditional morning and afternoon devotional services and holding small gatherings where they exchange Lalon's teachings through songs.
At the shrine's auditorium, Baul followers were seen performing with traditional instruments, including the dotara, while hundreds of curious listeners gathered to enjoy their soulful renditions.
Fakir Rashid Shah, a devotee who has taken shelter in a corner of the shrine complex, said the spiritual significance of the occasion should not be overshadowed by formal celebrations.
He added that devotees travel long distances to find spiritual peace and fulfil their inner longing through Lalon's teachings.
Baul practitioner Hridoy Shah said the annual gathering was an important part of the lives of those who follow Lalon's philosophy.
Drawing a parallel with the Greek philosopher Socrates' famous dictum, "Know thyself," he said Lalon's teachings continued to inspire humanity and self-awareness in everyday life.
Lalon Shah died on 17 October 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 seeks to uphold 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.