Dhaka experienced a significant celebration of cultural heritage on Thursday as artists, intellectuals, and music enthusiasts gathered to commemorate Fakir Lalon Shah on the 135th anniversary of his passing. The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) of the Indian High Commission organized a thoughtfully curated “Lalon Sandhya” at the Liberation War Museum auditorium, offering an evening where music, philosophy, and remembrance intersected.
The event kicked off with a tribute to the late Farida Parveen, a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s Lalon music scene. Her contributions were highlighted through a video of her performance with Hindi translation, presented by former Indian Foreign Secretary and ex-High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Muchkund Dubey. This gesture emphasized Parveen’s role in fostering cultural connections between India and Bangladesh.
Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma delivered the opening remarks, portraying Lalon Shah as a unifying figure in the spiritual and cultural landscape of the subcontinent. Verma stated, “Fakir Lalon Shah’s life and work epitomize the enduring spiritual and cultural bond between India and Bangladesh. His philosophy of inclusivity, compassion, and humanity transcends boundaries and continues to inspire our shared cultural journey.”
The event attracted a diverse audience, including musicians, theater performers, cultural advocates, and enthusiasts of Baul music. Gazi Abdul Hakim, an Ekushey Padak-winning flautist and Farida Parveen’s spouse, initiated the musical performances with a soul-stirring flute rendition. Nasreen Akhter Beauty, a disciple of Parveen, followed with a melodious performance, accompanied by students from the Achin Pakhi Cultural Academy.
Chandana Majumdar and Kiran Chandra Roy presented moving interpretations of Lalon’s songs, reaffirming their roles as contemporary custodians of the Baul tradition. Tun Tun Baul and his group from Kushtia delivered an authentic performance of Lalon geeti, captivating the audience with its pure, spiritual essence.
Abdel Mannan, a writer and representative of the Lalon World Council, delivered a lecture on the relevance of Lalon’s philosophy in the modern world, highlighting its universal principles of equality, humanity, and spiritual introspection.
The evening concluded with a vibrant performance by Sumy and her band “Lalon,” blending modern compositions with traditional Baul elements, showcasing the adaptability and lasting resonance of Lalon’s message across generations. The event, hosted by actor Afzal Hossain and overseen by IGCC director N Marie Judge, ended with the presentation of commemorative crests to participating artists.
The gathering demonstrated the ongoing vitality of Lalon’s cultural and spiritual legacy. Through music, conversation, and contemplation, “Lalon Sandhya” underscored the enduring influence of Lalon Shah on the cultural consciousness of Bangladesh and the wider subcontinent.