Three-day fair begins in Kushtia on Lalon’s 136th death anniversary

A three-day Lalon Fair and discussion programme will begin at Chheuria in Kushtia on Saturday (17 October) observing the 136th death anniversary of Baul King Fakir Lalon Shah and highlighting his enduring message of humanism: “Worship humanity and you will become a golden man.”

Lalon Academy usually is organising the event will run until 19 October on the premises of Lalon Academy, featuring an inaugural ceremony, discussion sessions, speeches by distinguished personalities and Lalon music performances every evening.

All out preparations have been taken for the fair, which is expected to draw Lalon devotees, Baul followers and researchers, artists, cultural activists and visitors from different parts of the country.

Through the melodies of Baul songs, exchanges of spiritual thought and celebrations of folk traditions, the shrine complex at Chheuria is expected to become a centre of cultural fellowship.

Organisers and admirers hope the fair will once again spread Lalon’s messages of humanism, secular harmony and equality, fostering a spirit of fraternity among people.

The fair will formally open with an inaugural ceremony and discussion session at 3pm on Saturday, 17 October.

Nitai Roy Chowdhury, MP and minister for Cultural Affairs, will attend as the chief guest, while Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, will attend as a special guest.

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The programme will be chaired by Touhid Bin-Hasan, deputy commissioner and district magistrate of Kushtia and president of Lalon Academy.

One of the day's main attractions will be a Lalon music session at 5pm, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the timeless songs of the mystic poet performed by artists from different parts of the country.

Lalon Fair: An inspiration for a society beyond divisions

Rooted in a long tradition, the Lalon Fair has for generations brought people together at the shrine of Lalon in Chheuria.

Transcending distinctions of religion, caste, ethnicity and social class, the gathering has evolved into a unique celebration of human fellowship.

The spontaneous participation of Lalon's followers and people from diverse walks of life transforms the shrine complex into a lively meeting place for folk music, spiritual reflection and communal harmony.

At the heart of Lalon's philosophy lies the primacy of human identity over religious and social divisions. His songs explore the mysteries of the human body, self-discovery, love, equality and spiritual liberation, encouraging people to seek the truth within themselves and build bonds of humanity beyond conventional barriers.

The fair is therefore much more than a cultural event; it is a profound celebration of Bengal's non-communal spirit, folk heritage and human values.

In an increasingly divided world, Lalon's songs and philosophy continue to remind people that no identity is greater than being human and no truth more fundamental than humanity itself.

Drawn by this enduring message, thousands gather at the shrine every year, seeking the Moner Manush—the person of the heart—through music, spiritual contemplation and the joy of fellowship.

Through this three-day celebration, the shrine at Chheuriya will once again become a meeting ground for music, philosophy and humanity.

The songs and reflections inspired by Lalon will renew his timeless call to discover the human essence, recognise one's inner self and seek truth through human relationships.

Lalon Shah was not merely a mystic practitioner or composer of Baul songs; he was an extraordinary humanistic thinker in the history of Bengali culture and philosophy.

By looking beyond institutional identities and social divisions, he explored the inherent truth and dignity of human existence. His enduring philosophy continues to offer a path towards harmony, equality and self-realisation in a world marked by division and intolerance.

The annual fair commemorating his death is thus not simply an occasion to remember a legendary figure. It is a living celebration of his philosophy and a testament to the enduring power of music and humanity to bring people together.