The Lalon Smaron Utshab or Lalon Memorial Festival, which will be celebrated nationally for the first time to mark the 135th death anniversary of mystic saint Lalon Shah, will begin tomorrow (Friday).
With a slogan "Manush Bhojle Sonar Manush Hobi (If you love people, you will become a worthy person), the three-day event will be held on October 17-19.
Lalon Academy has organized the three-day Festival in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the district administration.
Earlier in September, the government announced October 17 to observe the death anniversary of Lalon Shah under "Ka" category national day every year and asked all concerned ministries, divisions, and agencies to take necessary measures to ensure proper observance of the day.
In Cheuria, Kumarkhali, Kushtia - home to the revered Lalon Akhra, the festival will transform the shrine into a vibrant gathering of faith, music, and reflection since the Bengali Year of 1297 after the death of Lalon Shah.
From dawn to dusk, the grounds will resonate with bhaav-geeti, soulful baul performances, and philosophical discussions celebrating Lalon's vision of spiritual freedom and human unity.
The event will unite devotees, bauls, and musicians from across the country for a grand celebration of Lalon's life, music, and philosophy.
Kushtia district administration has already completed all preparations. The festival will be officially inaugurated on Friday evening by Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.
Deputy Commissioner of Kushtia Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arefin said that noted singers and artists of the academy will perform spiritual songs of Lalon Fakir which will be held every night alongside the discussion on the main stage of Akhrabari.
Regarding security, he said that a huge Lalon fair is being held on the banks of the Kali River in the Akhrabari premises amid stringent security measures.
"Necessary security measures have already been put in place. CCTV and watch towers have been installed to make the security foolproof," he added.
