Entertainment Desk

Lalon Shah, also known as Lalon Fakir, is a prominent Bengali mystic philosopher who composed a large number of songs to spread message of humanity and devotion. His songs like “Khanchar Bhitar Ochin Pakhi”, “Barir Kachhe Arshi Nagar”, “Amar Gharkhanai Ke Biraj Kore”and others are some invaluable treasures of Baul theosophical literature.

Today is the 134th death anniversary of Lalon Shah. Marking the day, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organised a three-day festival.

The festival will be inaugurated at the academy’s National Theatre Hall auditorium at 6:00pm. The event will be chaired by Shilpakala Academy Director General Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed.

Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs advisor Sharmin Murshid will attend the event as the chief guest. Mustafa Zaman, director of the Fine Arts Department of the academy will deliver the welcome speech.

The cultural programme will start with a performance titled “Ashashindhu Tirey”. Artistes Arup Rahi and Zahura Fakirani will perform songs and present insights inspired by Lalon’s philosophy.

Sadhumela titled “Manush Bhojle Shonar Manush Hobi” will take place at the academy’s Nandan Mancha on the second day on Friday at 6:00pm.

The third day of the festival on Saturday will feature a two-part event. The first session will begin at 4:00pm at the seminar room of the National Theatre Hall with a discussion titled “Jatisottar Prosno Ebong Baul-Fakir Poribeshonar Rajniti” (The Question of National Identity and the Politics of Baul-Fakir Performance).

Director Abdul Halim Chanchal of the Production Department at Shilpakala Academy will deliver the welcome speech, while professor and researcher at Rajshahi University Dr A Al Mamun will present the keynote paper with academy Director General Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed in the chair.

The second part of the event will take place at the National Theatre Hall auditorium at 7:00pm, featuring a Lalon memorial titled “Dhoro Manush Rup Nehare”. The event will feature performances by noted artistes.

Ministry of Cultural Affairs advisor Dr Asif Nazrul will present keynote speech, and the session will be chaired by Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed. Journalist and fiction writer Mahbub Morshed will be present at the event as a discussant.