The atmosphere at Fakir Lalon Shah’s Akhra Bari is now filled with a sense of farewell as the saints’ fairgrounds have started to empty since Sunday evening. The Sadhusang event, which included the Adhibas, Balyaseba, and Purnaseba rituals, officially concluded this year’s three-day gathering commemorating the 135th death anniversary of Fakir Lalon Shah. Now, it is time for everyone to bid adieu.
This year’s Sadhusang and rural fair, honoring Fakir Lalon Shah, commenced on Friday at Cheuriya in Kushtia, attracting a remarkable turnout of sadhus, spiritual guides, and devotees. Stringent security measures were implemented to ensure the safety of all visitors during the event.
Reflecting on the conclusion of the main program on Sunday evening at Akhra Bari, Fakir Mamun Shahabul expressed his sentiments, stating, “The primary event has concluded. I plan to start my journey back tomorrow, with hopes of returning for Dol Purnima if Sai permits.” Mamun emphasized the unique joy he experiences during his visits to the event and the emotional pull that draws him back each year due to Sai’s affectionate aura.
Hriday Sadhu, who traveled from Faridpur, shared his experience at Sai’s Akhra Bari, noting that he has been attending for three decades. He described the sense of tranquility and peace that envelops his heart and mind during his visits, providing him with the strength to continue his journey ahead.
This year marked the first national-level observance of the Lalon Memorial Festival, with celebrations not only in Kushtia but also in Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan. The Sadhusang and rural fair, jointly organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Kushtia district administration, drew nearly 1.2 million attendees, as reported by Kushtia Deputy Commissioner Abu Hasnat Mohmmad Arafin.
Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak delivered the keynote address at the inaugural session, highlighting the significance of the event. As the convener of the Lalon Academy, DC Abu Hasnat Mohmmad Arafin acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the district administration and law enforcement agencies in ensuring the smooth movement of the large number of visitors, resulting in a peaceful event without any untoward incidents.