Lalon memorial festival concludes in Kushtia

A one-day Lalon Smaran Utshab (memorial festival) ended at Lalon Akhra (Place) in Kushtia. The programme highlighted the philosophy of Fakir Lalon Shah (c.1774-1890).  Lalon Academy organised the programme.  The festival is held annually to celebrate Dol Purnima. Like previous years, on the occasion, the akhra saw an influx of devotees and admirers from all over Bangladesh and overseas. An attraction of the event was a Baul Mela. Research shows that Dol Purnima has been celebrated for around 200 years and was introduced by Lalon himself. In his lifetime, Lalon used to organise the event at his akhra. After his demise, his disciples carried on the tradition. They formed a committee. The committee initially organised various programmes at the venue. The festival was organised with donations from well-wishers. Later, Lalon Academy was formed to look into akhra affairs. Over time, the festival has turned into a government-organised programme.

Research shows that Dol Purnima has been celebrated for around 200 years and was introduced by Lalon himself. In his lifetime, Lalon used to organise the event at his akhra. After his demise, his disciples carried on the tradition. They formed a committee. The committee initially organised various programmes at the venue. The festival was organised with donations from well-wishers. Later, Lalon Academy was formed to look into akhra affairs. Over time, the festival has turned into a government-organised programme. At the festival, the Baul community fervently follows their customs. According to their philosophy, every religion is on par and division of mankind in the name of religion is unacceptable. Following Lalon's teachings, they prefer to shun worldly desires. A discussion meeting was held at 3 pm yesterday.

The president of Lalon Academy, Deputy Commissioner of Kushtia Ehetesham Reza presided. MP (Kushtia-3) and Joint General Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League Mahabub Ul Alam Hanif were present as the chief guest, MP (Kushtia-4) Abdur Rauf, Kushtia Superintendent of Police AHM Abdur Rakib were present as special guests. , Kushtia Zilla Parishad Chairman and District Awami League President Sadar Uddin Khan, District Awami League General Secretary Azgar Ali, Kumarkhali Upazila Parishad Chairman Abdul Mannan Khan, Kumarkhali Municipality Chairman Samchuzzaman Arun, and others. Eminent writer and researcher Advocate Lalim Haque was present as the keynote speaker.

ZH