A three-day programme marking the 136th death anniversary of legendary Baul mystic Fakir Lalon Shah began at his shrine in Chheuriya, Kushtia, on Saturday, drawing thousands of devotees, followers and visitors from home and abroad.
The commemorative events, organised by the Kushtia district administration under the supervision of Lalon Academy with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, will continue until Monday (19 October).
Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury is scheduled to formally inaugurate the programme at the Lalon Academy premises on Saturday evening, with Cultural Affairs Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman attending as the guest of honour.
Kushtia Deputy Commissioner and Lalon Academy President Md Touhid Bin-Hasan will preside over the inaugural ceremony, while noted essayist Dr Rashidun Nabi will deliver the keynote address.
Former Kushtia district BNP president and former lawmaker Syed Mehedi Ahmed Rumi, Kushtia-1 MP Reza Ahammed, reserved-seat MP Mst Farida Yeasmin, 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 Hridoy Shah and Asma Khanam will deliver welcome addresses on behalf of Lalon Academy.
Following the inaugural ceremony and discussions, renowned Baul singers from different parts of the country, alongside Lalon Academy performers, will present traditional Lalon songs on the shrine’s cultural stage.
The historic Chheuriya Akhra Bari has already turned into a gathering place for thousands of spiritual seekers and music enthusiasts who have travelled from across Bangladesh and abroad to pay tribute to the legendary mystic.
Many devotees arrived at the shrine several days ahead of the anniversary to participate in traditional devotional gatherings, spiritual discussions and musical performances reflecting Lalon’s philosophy of humanity, equality and self-discovery.
Throughout the shrine premises, Baul followers have been performing devotional songs with traditional instruments, including the dotara, attracting hundreds of visitors.
Fakir Rashid Shah, a devotee staying at the shrine complex, said the spiritual significance of the occasion should remain central to the observance rather than being overshadowed by formal celebrations.
He said devotees travel long distances to seek inner peace and spiritual fulfilment through Lalon’s teachings.
Baul practitioner Hridoy Shah described the annual gathering as an important occasion for followers of Lalon’s philosophy to reconnect with his teachings.
Referring to the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates’ principle of “Know thyself,” he said Lalon’s philosophy continues to inspire people to understand themselves and embrace humanity beyond social and religious divisions.
Fakir Lalon Shah, one of Bengal’s most influential spiritual thinkers and folk musicians, died on 17 October 1890, corresponding to the first day of Kartik in the Bengali year 1297.
His songs and philosophical teachings, which emphasise human dignity, equality, tolerance and spiritual awakening, remain deeply rooted in Bengal’s cultural heritage.
For generations, followers have gathered at his shrine in Chheuriya to commemorate his death anniversary through music, prayer and philosophical discussions.
This year’s observance aims to promote Lalon’s enduring message of universal brotherhood and humanism through cultural programmes and traditional devotional practices.
Kushtia Deputy Commissioner Md Touhid Bin-Hasan said all necessary preparations had been completed to ensure the smooth conduct of the three-day programme.
“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.
The district administration has also taken measures to maintain security and ensure the safety of thousands of visitors expected to attend the commemorative events over the three days.