Lalon’s legacy celebrated through words and music

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) organised a commemorative programme on Saturday to pay tribute to mystic Baul saint Lalon Sai on his 136th death anniversary. 
 The event, held at the National Theatre Hall of BSA in the evening under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, brought together cultural personalities, researchers, officials and folk music enthusiasts to celebrate the life and teachings of the legendary spiritual figure.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayyam MP attended the programme as the chief guest. In his address, the state minister emphasised the importance of embracing Lalon's philosophy of equality and ensuring freedom of religious belief and expression.
Referring to recent incidents of religious extremism, he said every individual should have the freedom to practise or refrain from practising religion without facing insult, discrimination or humiliation.
“Lalon’s central teaching is a sense of equality, and that is what we should practise,” he said.
Presiding over the programme, joint secretary and Director General (additional charge) of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Md Harun-or-Rashid, said Lalon's life and spiritual practices offered a profound vision of a compassionate society where humanity transcends all other identities.
“Lalon taught us that dignity lies not in one’s birth or identity, but in humanity, conscience and deeds,” he said. He further observed that Lalon's philosophy represents not only an invaluable part of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage but also a powerful source of inspiration for social harmony and moral renewal.
Cultural Affairs Ministry secretary Yasmin Begum attended as a special guest, while artist and researcher Professor Dr Ahmed Shakil Hasmi delivered the keynote address.
BNP Cultural Affairs Secretary Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Ujjal and Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS) Member Secretary Zakir Hossain Rokon also spoke the gathering as special guests.
Following the discussion, the programme featured a captivating musical session celebrating Lalon’s rich spiritual and musical legacy through performances by renowned folk and Baul artistes.
Popular singer Latif Shah opened the segment with Lalon’s “Doinno Gaan”, followed by Nasrin Sultana Beauty, who rendered “Krishna Preme Pora Deho”. Aleya Begum also presented Lalon songs.
Biman Chandra Biswas performed “Ami Opar Hoye Boshe Achhi”, while Mousumi Iqbal sang “Helay Helay Din Boye Jay”. Veteran folk singer Kangalini Sufia enthralled the audience with “Dekha Diyeo He Rasul”, followed by Kaniz Khandaker Mitu’s rendition of “Ghore Keba Jage Keba Ghumay”.
Suman Roy, Pakhi Bauliana and Sultana Zaman Jochhona also performed during the musical session.
The evening concluded with collective
renditions of “Dhanya Dhanya Boli Tare”, “Amar Ghor Khanay Ke Biraj Kore” and “Milon Hobe Koto Dine” by vocal artistes of Bangladesh
Shilpakala Academy.