A grand commemoration of the late Lalon songstress Farida Parveen is set to take place in New York this October during the “International Lalon Festival 2025,” which will honor the enduring philosophy and music of Fakir Lalon Shah. Scheduled for October 19 at Queens Palace, the festival will run from 3 pm to 11 pm (local time). Renowned baul singer Shafi Mondal will inaugurate the event, with New York State Senator Joseph P Addabbo Jr serving as the chief guest.
Presented by Lalon Parishad USA in collaboration with Bangladesh Club USA, the festival will be themed “Revere humanity, and you will awaken the golden self within.” The day-long event will showcase music, dance, poetry, and discussions centered on Lalon’s teachings of humanism and spirituality.
The lineup of performers includes Rizia Parveen, Shahnaz Belly, Shwapnil Shojib, Kala Mia, Shimul Khan, Reshmi Mirza, Melal Shah, Karim Howlader, and Shahin Hossain, among others. Special dance performances inspired by Lalon’s poetry will be presented by Mithun Dance Academy and Fusion Dance Troupe USA.
The festival is dedicated to Farida Parveen, recognized as the “Queen of Lalon songs,” for her lifelong commitment to preserving and popularizing the mystic’s music. Expressing her enthusiasm for the event, singer Shahnaz Belly stated, “This International Lalon Festival holds great significance for me. I will perform in honor of Farida Parveen apa with love and respect. The preparations are underway, and there is a palpable sense of something extraordinary in the air.”
Organizers highlighted that the festival aims to elevate Lalon’s songs as a universal treasure and propagate his message of equality and humanity to audiences worldwide. The Bangladeshi diaspora has shown a positive response, with strong anticipation building within the community for the upcoming event.