Photo : BSS

By Abdur Razzak

KUSHTIA, Oct 19, 2025 (BSS) – “Manush Bhojle Sonar Manush Hobi” (If you worship mankind, you will become a true human being)”, this eternal saying of the mystic bard Lalon Shah embodies the very essence of all human quests — the pursuit of the soul and the path to true spiritual liberation. 

Those who still follow that path of knowledge and self-realization gathered this year for the three-day Lalon Memorial Festival.

The 135th death anniversary of the great Baul saint Lalon Shah was observed in Kushtia through a three-day-long festival filled with devotion, philosophy, and melody. 

The shrine at Cheuriya, sanctified by Lalon’s memory, came alive with the songs, teachings, and spiritual practices of his followers. The festival turned into a confluence of local and foreign devotees, Bauls, mystics, and admirers. 

As the festival came to a close, it seemed that the devotees were returning home enlightened — carrying the message of self-discovery and humanism that Lalon preached.

Lalon Shah, one of the greatest lyricists and composers of Baul songs, was born in 1179 Bangla year at Harishpur village in Jhenaidah district. He passed away on the 1st of Kartik, 1297 Bengali year (October 17, 1890) in Cheuriya. Every year, on his death anniversary, devotees gather at his shrine to pay homage through sadhuseva and musical performances lasting three days.

According to Lalon researchers, his life resembled with a serene, deep, and ever-flowing river — mysterious yet tranquil. Lalon was a soul weary of the divisions and discrimination in society. He was not a saint of any particular religion; he was a saint of humanity, whose life was an unending spiritual journey in search of self-knowledge and love for mankind.

His songs and philosophy have inspired generations of poets, writers, philosophers, and intellectuals — including Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Allen Ginsberg. Although rooted in the Baul tradition, his songs have transcended that circle and been sung by countless artists across the subcontinent. Lalon was, in fact, the first person in the Indian subcontinent to be given the title “Mahatma.”

The three-day Lalon Memorial Festival, held from the 1st of Kartik at Cheuriya in Kushtia’s Kumarkhali upazila, brought together devotees and admirers from home and abroad — irrespective of religion, caste, class, or gender. The spiritual essence of Lalon’s teachings resonated in the hearts of all who attended.

Talking to BSS, Lalon devotee Tuntun Baul said, “Lalon’s philosophy is deeply significant for human life. He never discriminated among people. He believed that “Moner Manush” (Man of the Heart) or Asol Manush (True Human) has no religion, caste, or gender — that divinity dwells within every person. In his words, ‘Manush bhajle sonar manush hobi’ — meaning, ‘If you love and worship mankind, you become a pure and enlightened being.’”

Nupur Nadiya, a Lalon singer, urged people to embrace the humanism in Lalon’s philosophy, saying: “It’s not enough to merely sing his songs or discuss his ideas. We must embody his philosophy, his Sufi ideals, and strive to become truly humane in spirit and action.”

Professor Aslam Uddin, another follower, said BSS, “We visit Lalon’s shrine every year. Coming here brings peace of mind. This year, the number of visitors has increased as the festival has been organized on a national level. However, greater attention is needed to manage the large crowds.”

Visitor Liaquat Ali said, “This is the first time the Lalon festival has been observed as a national event, and the fairgrounds were beautifully arranged with a charming rural atmosphere.”

The three-day festival, marking both Lalon Shah’s birth and death anniversaries, began on October 17 (Friday) at Cheuriya. Lalon devotees, Baul singers, and mystics spent days and nights there in spiritual reflection, singing his songs, and meditating on the path to liberation.

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki inaugurated the festival through a video conference on October 17. 

On the second day, Syed Mehedi Ahmed Rumi, freedom fighter and Adviser to the BNP Chairperson, attended as the chief guest. Khulna Divisional Commissioner (Additional Secretary) Firoz Sarkar attended the closing ceremony today as the chief guest.

As in previous years, the festival grounds were decorated with a large fair organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, featuring 100 modern stalls selling various items. The grand celebration will conclude today, October 19, as the devotees bid farewell to the fairgrounds filled with memories of joy and devotion — waiting for the next reunion during Dol Purnima.