Fakir Lalon Shah. Photo : Collected

JHENAIDAH, Oct 9, 2025 (BSS) - Harishpur, the childhood village of the mystic bard Lalon Shah, still bears the memories of his early life. Located in Harinakundu upazila of Jhenaidah district, the village preserves numerous relics associated with Lalon's legacy. 

The mausoleums of his spiritual mentor and disciples can be found in different parts of the village. The philosophy and ideals of Lalon still resonate through the daily lives and behavior of the people here.

A visit to the area by this correspondent reveals Harishpur as a serene and lush rural settlement under Harinakundu upazila. The villagers' way of life reflects the humanistic spirit of Lalon's philosophy. 

In various parts of the village lie the shrines of Lalon Shah's guru and disciples. Around these shrines, annual festivals are organized where villagers celebrate Lalon's songs and remembrance events. Devotees from far and wide throng Harishpur to join these occasions.

According to the Bengali calendar, the 2nd day of the month of Kartik marks Lalon's death anniversary. On this day, various programmes are held at Lalon's akhra (spiritual center) in Cheuriya, Kushtia. The essence of that celebration spreads to Harishpur as well, where locals organize commemorative events and musical gatherings every year on the same date.

This year, the district administration has taken initiatives to implement various programmes to mark the occasion. A committee has been formed comprising officials from the district administration, Lalon Academy, and the District Shilpakala Academy. 

During a visit, it was found that Harishpur is home to the Lalon Academy. Beside it stands the shrine of Lalon's spiritual mentor Siraj Shah and his wife. 

However, the shrine premises show signs of neglect and lack of maintenance. The village also contains the shrine of Lalon's devoted disciple Panju Shah - a beautiful complex with three graves, the central one belonging to Panju Shah and the two flanking ones to his wives.

In the nearby Beltala village lies the shrine of Lalon's spiritual disciple Dudu Shah, whose real name was Dabiruddin Mondal. After being taught by Lalon, he was given the spiritual name Dudu Shah.

Local senior citizen Golap Khondakar of Harishpur told BSS that, according to oral history, Lalon was once infected with smallpox as a child and was set adrift on the Kumar River. He was rescued and nursed back to health by Siraj Shah. When Lalon reached youth, Siraj Shah advised him to leave Harishpur and settle wherever nightfall first caught him. Following this guidance, Lalon floated down the Kumar River and reached Cheuriya in Kushtia, where night descended. He later established his akhra there.

Khondakar Ismat Ara, assistant teacher at Harishpur Lalon Academy Government Primary School and granddaughter of Panju Shah, told BSS that her great-grandfather was Lalon's spiritual disciple. 

"The shrine of Panju Shah still exists in our ancestral home. Every year, festivals are held centering on the shrines of Siraj Shah, Panju Shah, and Lalon's birthplace. These events are organized annually on the 2nd of Kartik," she said.

Mohammad Saifur Rahman, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) and head of the Lalon Death Anniversary Celebration Committee, told BSS that Lalon Shah's egalitarian philosophy and spiritual vision stand as a timeless guide for humanity. 

"Harishpur village in Harinakundu upazila of Jhenaidah is Lalon's birthplace, where he spent his childhood. The shrines of Lalon Shah, his guru Siraj Shah, and his disciples Panju Shah and Dudu Shah are all located there. There is also a Lalon Academy in the village. Every year, various programmes are held in Harishpur to mark his death anniversary. This year, we have planned district- and upazila-level events to preserve Lalon's memory," he added.