Three day Lalon death anniversary ends

The three-day death anniversary programme in memory of mystic poet Lalon Shah ended with speakers emphasising the need to harken back to Lalon's philosophy, especially its humanitarian aspect.

Steps for preserving the bard's original songs were another demand at the event.

The programme chalked out on the occasion of 126th death anniversary of the Baul king was held at the Chheuria Lalon Akhra in Kushtia from October 16-18.

Lalon Academy held the programme in tandem with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Kushtia district administration supervised the event.

The programme included a 'Lalon Mela', discussion and rendition of songs by artistes of Lalon Academy and Bauls from across the country.

Asaduzzaman Noor, Minister of Cultural Affairs inaugurated the programme.

Other guests addressing the occasion include Abdur Rouf, lawmaker of Kushtia-4, Abdus Samad, and Divisional Commissioner of Khulna.

Bauls in thousands and Lalon admirers from in and out of the country flocked to Lalon's den on all three days. With a large gathering at the main stage, seated in smalls groups, the Bauls could be seen paying homage to Lalon at the bard's grave and singing the songs of their spiritual guru who is regarded as the torchbearer by the Bauls and shows them the path to obtain spiritual or divine peace.

The Bauls consider the akhra, Lalon's shrine as a sacred spot where they can free themselves of all sorrows and misery through Sadhan-Bhajan( spiritual songs). This homage takes the form of Lalon's songs.

Speakers said that Lalon's philosophy is unique.

 “Lalon's credos have a direct relevance to our times --local and global context in the present social and cultural ambience, when humanity is fast deteriorating, hatred rules the roost, and culture suffers at the hands of intolerance, sectarianism, fundamentalism, orthodoxy, and fanaticism,” said Professor Dr. Rashid Askari, writer and columnist who is the current Vice-Chancellor of Kushtia Islamic University.

He said the true spirit of the songs can help us stand against the long shadow of ignorance, superstition, and dogmatism and lead people of various creeds, ideas, and dogmas to peace and happiness in this age of social unrest, political hostility, cultural aggression and religious intolerance.

Following on this idea, the speakers urged the government to take initiatives on this front. More steps for research on Lalon should also be initiated, they said.