LALON MELA concludes in Kushtia

A two-day Lalon Mela at Fakir Lalon Shah's shrine in Cheuria in Kushtia ended on Friday night, with a call of proper address to hold the intangible unique culture on its own way.

This is the first time a government institution -- Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) -- organised such an event at Lalon's shrine. The programme included a seminar on Baul philosophy, rendition of Baul songs, a boat journey with Bauls and opinion-sharing sessions.

However, two big gatherings are held in Chheuria each year under supervision of local district administration. 

 “Songs and its tunes are the only source of sustenance of Baul philosophy. So we have to focus on its originality and purity that is deviating day by day,” the speakers observed in a seminar held at Lalon auditorium on the inaugural day.  The seminar was addressed by Islamic University (IU) vice-chancellor renowned writer, columnist Professor Dr. Rashid Askari as chief discussant. Professor Abul Ahsan Choudhury of Bangla Department at IU read out keynote at the seminar.

Liaquat Ali Lucky, Director General of BSA, chaired the session.

Among others, Jahangir Alam Choudhury, secretary of BSA; Taijal Ali Kahan, former general secretary of Lalon Academy; Additional Deputy Commissioner Mujib-ul-Ferdous; Dr. Jesmin Buly and Amirul Islam, general secretary of Kushtia district Shilpakala Academy, spoke at the two-day event. 

A number of Bauls shared their opinions in second day of the event. They put up their many problems in practice of the Baul practices. “Lalon's philosophy is our religion. If it gets altered, its divinity is ruined,” Bauls lamented during exchange of views.

On the occasion, the akhra ground was colorfully decorated. Bauls from all 64 districts attended the event. They gathered with their usual uncut, often coiled hair, wearing saffron robes with necklace of beads made of basil stems, with ektara in hands.

Over demands from different corners, BSA authorities promised to take initiatives for the betterment of baulism. They will also organise such an event every year.