Mir Afroz Zaman back from Kushtia

"Khachar bhitor achin pakhi kemne aashe jaay..." (How does an unknown bird flit in and out of the cage?)

Resonating with the soul-stirring strains of the eektara and the timeless humanist philosophy of Mystic Bard Fakir Lalon Shah, the three-day Lalon Memorial Festival—reverently hailed by ardent devotees as the 'Pagaler Mela' (Fair of the Mad)—officially commenced on Saturday at Cheuria in Kumarkhali, Kushtia.

Organized jointly by the Lalon Academy, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, and the Kushtia District Administration, the grand congregation commemorates the 136th death anniversary of the legendary Baul emperor. The annual pilgrimage, running through Monday, has transformed the serene bank of the Kaliganga River into a vibrant, spiritual epicenter of non-communal harmony, self-discovery, and mystic devotion.

Transcending boundaries of creed, caste, color, and nationality, thousands of white-robed sadhus, fakirs, and Baul practitioners have gathered at Lalon's Akhrabari (shrine). The event has drawn not only local devotees from every corner of Bangladesh but also international Lalon enthusiasts and researchers from countries including India, France, and Italy.

The entire Cheuria area has donned a festive look, bustling with spiritual discourses, traditional rituals, and a sprawling rural fair showcasing indigenous handicrafts, musical instruments, and traditional treats.

The formal inaugural ceremony was graced by Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury as the chief guest, who extended warm greetings to the congregation on behalf of the government.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister emphasized the enduring relevance of Lalon’s message in fostering social cohesion, 'Lalon’s eternal philosophy teaches us humanity, absolute equality, and universal brotherhood. To preserve and propagate this intangible world heritage, the government has initiated plans to establish a dedicated 'Lalon Nagari' (Lalon City) in Kushtia, transforming this historic hub into an international cultural center.

Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Information, Broadcasting, and Cultural Affairs, attended as the Guest of Honor. The inaugural session was presided over by Towhid Bin-Hasan, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Kushtia, who also serves as the President of the Lalon Academy.

A core attraction of the festival's opening day was the grand cultural symposium and musical performance held at dusk. Renowned troupe artists from the Lalon Academy alongside legendary folk singers and itinerant Bauls captivated thousands of listeners with Lalon’s deep, allegorical compositions exploring body theology (Dehatattva), love, and spiritual devotion.

For the spiritual seekers (sadhus) who reside in temporary camps around the shrine during these three days, the Sadhur Haat represents more than a festival—it is a sacred sanctuary where human devotion (Manob Dharma) reigns supreme over institutional religion.