The mystic saint and bard of Bangladesh, Lalon Shah, was remembered by devotees across the country on his 134th death anniversary on Thursday, October 17. Thousands of followers gathered at his tomb in Kushtia to pay tribute to the revered saint, known for spreading the message of humanity through his songs and philosophy.

The event at Lalon Akhara in Kushtia was organized by the Lalon Academy and the district administration in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The program featured a Lalon fair, musical performances of his songs, and discussions on his life and philosophy.

Farida Akhter, Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock in the interim government of Bangladesh, inaugurated the event, which saw participation from Bauls and artists from across the country. Speaking on the occasion, Akhter emphasized, “The Bengali philosopher and Baul saint, Lalon Shah, spoke against all forms of discrimination 134 years ago.” She also urged the Lalon Academy to focus on preserving and researching his songs and teachings to ensure that future generations can connect with his legacy, according to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

Fakir Lalon Shah is regarded as the most prominent figure of the Baul tradition in both Bangladesh and India. Born in 1774 in Horishpur, Jhenaidah district (in present-day Bangladesh), Lalon is revered as a mystic saint, philosopher, and social reformer. He composed thousands of songs, later compiled by his disciples, that celebrate humanism and seamlessly blend elements of Islam, Vaishnavism, Sahajiya Buddhism, and Jainism.

Lalon’s influence extended to prominent figures like Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and American poet Allen Ginsberg. He is believed to have passed away on the first day of the Bangla month of Kartik in 1890.

By – Navalsang Parmar (Dhaka)