KUSHTIA: The 125th death anniversary of Lalon Shah, preceptor of baul asceticism and composer, is being observed on Friday, the first day Kartik of Bengali calander, in befitting manner.
 
To mark the anniversary, Lalon Academy in association with Kushtia district administration chalked out a five-day festival from October 16 at Cheuria village of the district.

Bauls, devotees, fans and researchers – at home and abroad thronged Lalon Akhra at Cheuria to join the 5-day festival.

Fakir Lalon Shah also known as Lalon Shah was a Bengali philosopher, poet, folk singer and humanist.

His poetry, articulated in songs, are considered classics of the Bangla language. People call him mystic and metaphysical saint.

In the festival, musical soiree will be held every day till midnight alongside  the discussion on the life and works of the mystic bard.

Lalon’s philosophical expression was based in songs and musical compositions using instruments that could be made by any available rural household materials: an ektara (one-string musical instrument) and a dugi (hand drum). Lalon composed and sung his songs and his disciples wrote them down.

Lalon Academy president and deputy commission of Kushtia Syed Belal Hossian said academy and district administration would provide meals, medical treatment and security during the festival featuring Lalon Mela, discussion and musical soiree.

Kushtia police Super Proloy Chicim said huge numbers of police have been deployed to ensure security of attendees of the festival.

Beside, administration has its forces on high alert to ensure security of foreign visitors this year, he added.

Lalon died at the age of 116 years on the first of the Bengali month Kartik (mid October).

Long before free thinkers around the globe started thinking of a classless society, Lalon had already composed around 1000 songs on that theme profoundly about 200 years ago.

BDST: 0947 HRS, OCT 16, 2015
RS