'Lalon Utsab' ends with rich tributes to the mystic baul

"Lalon Smaran Utsab", a three-day event commemorating Fakir Lalon Shah on his 134th death anniversary ended on Friday at the mystic bard's shrine in Kushtia's Chheuria.

The festival started in the early hours of Thursday with musical performances by balls. The memorial events ended on Friday in the presence of thousands of Lalon followers from across the country.  The turnout of devotees this time was higher than any other year in the last two decades, said local bauls (a type of traditional singer and musician).

However, festivities continue on the premises of the shrine on the bank of the Kaliganga River with the opening of a fair on Friday.

Visiting the area on Saturday, many stalls were found selling a wide array of products, including essential items, clothes, children's dresses and toys, blankets, and furniture.

One Rafique, a resident of Dhamrai on the Dhaka outskirts, who was selling blankets at the fair, told The Business Standard that he comes to the Lalon Utsab every year.

He said he was doing good business as the presence of participants is higher this year.

A furniture seller, Shahidul, said the fair significantly benefits his business, and the impact lasts for approximately one month.

Many of the visitors were seen roaming around the fair premises along with their families.

"I have bought glasses and a watch for my son," said a visitor, Ariful.

To facilitate the gathering, law enforcement agencies restricted vehicular movement on the road within a one-kilometre radius in both directions from Lalon's shrine.

During a visit on Friday, the shrine's premises were found bustling with Lalon's followers, who came from various districts.

An elderly devotee, Nahir Shah told TBS a salient feature of the Lalon Festival is "Sadhusanga," a congregation of individuals that transcends varying opinions.

A visitor from Bogura, Abul Kalam told TBS that he visits Lalon's shrine two times every year to join the "Sadhusanga". "The festival provides a platform for us to exchange insights with a diverse group of attendees."

He also expressed his desire to visit the shrine again.

On Friday, a discussion took place on the life and ideologies of Lalon, where poet and thinker Farhad Mazhar spoke as the chief guest with Kushtia Deputy Commissioner Most. Sharmin Akhter chaired the event while Superintendent of District Police Mizanur Rahman was the special guest.   

Fakir Lalon Shah passed away on 17 October 1890. Since then, his death anniversary has been commemorated annually at his shrine every year.