The government has declared a nationwide commemoration in honor of the 135th death anniversary of mystical saint Lalon Shah. Major Lalon Festival events will be held in Kushtia and Dhaka, as announced today on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’ official Facebook page.
Scheduled to span from October 17 to 19, the three-day festival will bring together devotees, bauls, and musicians from all corners of the country to celebrate Lalon’s life, music, and teachings.
In Cheuria, Kushtia, the festival will animate the revered Lalon Akhra into a lively hub of faith, music, and contemplation. Throughout the days, the site will resonate with bhaav-geeti, heartfelt baul performances, and deep discussions echoing Lalon’s ideals of spiritual liberation and human oneness.
Renowned performers such as TunTun Baul, Sunil Karmakar, Rowshan Fakir, and Latif Shah, alongside numerous bauls and fakirs from various regions, are anticipated to showcase their talents during the festival.
Simultaneously, a special Lalon Festival will occur in Dhaka on October 18 at Suhrawardy Udyan. The event will feature performances by artists like Emon Chowdhury and Bengal Symphony, Band Lalon, Nirab and Bauls, Pothik Nobi, Suchona Shely, Band Baula, Arup Rahi, and Samogeet.
The Lalon Festival holds a significant place in Bangladesh’s cultural heritage, symbolizing not just musical expression but also the universal message of Lalon that transcends societal barriers of caste, creed, and religion.