The 134th death anniversary of the subcontinent's spiritual guru and Baul King, Fakir Lalon Shah, will be observed on Thursday.
To commemorate the occasion, a three-day Lalon folk fest has been organized at the Lalon shrine in Chheuriya, Kumarkhali upazila in Kushtia.
Every evening, there will be discussions followed by Lalon music performances.
The fair will begin on Thursday, lasting for three days, with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Kushtia District Administration, and organized by the Lalon Academy.
On the spot visit, it was noticed that the number of Lalon devotees and visitors continues to grow. Even before the fair’s commencement, the shrine area has transformed into a gathering of devotees.
Groups of followers are seen singing Lalon’s songs, discussing his teachings and ideals. The entire shrine area has become lively with the sound of Lalon’s music.
Followers have set up temporary camps around the shrine, the open fields, and along the banks of the Kali River.
A rural fair has also sprung up on the riverbank, with vendors setting up a variety of stalls in the surrounding areas.
Several members of the Lalon Academy mentioned that Fakir Lalon Shah used to host vibrant, spiritually enriching events with his followers during his lifetime.
To continue this tradition, devotees from across the country and abroad gather at the shrine every year on the first of Kartik to commemorate his passing.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Kushtia and president of the Lalon Academy’s ad-hoc committee, Sharmin Akhter, said: “We have organized a three-day Lalon Fair in honor of the 134th death anniversary of Baul Emperor Fakir Lalon Shah.”
She added: “The necessary preparations for the event are being taken.”
On the first of Kartik in 1890, the renowned spiritual leader and Baul emperor Fakir Lalon Shah passed away.
Since then, the Lalon Academy and the district administration have been organizing this death anniversary celebration at the shrine in Cheuriya, Kumarkhali upazila.
