The three-day Lalon Commemoration Festival marking the 136th death anniversary of the legendary humanist, mystic bard, and philosopher Fakir Lalon Shah begins on Saturday (October 17, 2026) across Bangladesh under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
The day holds heightened national significance following the August 28, 2025 decision by the government to officially classify October 17—the death anniversary of Lalon Sai—as a Category 'A' National Day, inaugurating national-level celebrations.
In his ancestral village of Cheuria in Kumarkhali upazila, Kushtia—where Lalon breathed his last on October 17, 1890 (1st Kartik, 1297 BS)—thousands of devotees, bauls, researchers, and folk artists have gathered at the Lalon Akhrabari. Through the resonant melodies of ektara, dotara, and khamak, spiritual bards are performing Lalon’s timeless compositions advocating non-communal humanism and fraternity above caste and creed.
Simultaneously in the capital, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is hosting a grand Lalon Commemoration at the National Theatre Hall in Dhaka. Chaired by Shilpakala Academy Joint Secretary and Director General Moha. Harun-or-Rashid, the seminar features artist and scholar Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shakil Hasmi as keynote speaker, followed by a special musical tribute showcasing Lalon's immortal songs.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Staff Reporter • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
