TBT DESK
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organised a special commemorative programme marking the 136th death anniversary of Baul mystic Fakir Lalon Sai, whose songs and philosophy spread messages of humanity beyond divisions of caste and religion.
The event will take place on October 17 at the National Theatre Hall of the academy in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. Various programmes commemorating Lalon are also scheduled to be held in different parts of the country on the same day.
Organised under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the programme will pay tribute to Lalon Sai’s songs, philosophy and secular humanist ideals. One of its key objectives is to revisit the message reflected in his works: that people should be regarded as human beings, beyond the boundaries of caste and religion.
The discussion session will begin at 6pm on Saturday, October 17. Yasmin Begum, secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, will attend as the chief guest. Artist and researcher Professor Dr Ahmed Shakil Hasmi will deliver the keynote address. The session will be chaired by Moha. Harun-or-Rashid, joint secretary and acting director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
A special cultural programme will follow at 6:30pm. Organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and the Bangladesh Social and Cultural Organisation (JASAS), the event will feature renowned Lalon singers performing some of the mystic’s timeless songs, bringing his spiritual music and humanist philosophy to the audience.
Meanwhile, a three-day commemorative festival and fair will be held at Akhra Bari in Cheuriya, Kushtia, a place closely associated with Lalon’s life and legacy. The event will run from October 17 to 19.
Through these programmes across the country, Lalon Sai’s followers, admirers and culture enthusiasts will remember the Baul mystic’s life, spiritual practice, music and philosophy.
