Kushtia Correspondent

Anchored in Baul Emperor Lalon Shah's timeless philosophy—"Manus bhojle sonar manus hobi" (If you worship humanity, you will become a golden human)—the Lalon Mela and discussion program commenced on Saturday  at Cheuriya in Kumarkhali, Kushtia. Organized at the Lalon Academy premises to mark the 136th disappearance day (Tirodhan Divas) of Lalon Shah, the three-day event will continue through October 19.

The fair was formally inaugurated this afternoon with an opening ceremony and discussion session.

Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury attended the ceremony as the chief guest, while Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Adviser to the Prime Minister for the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, was present as the Guest of Honor.

The event was presided over by Kushtia Deputy Commissioner, District Magistrate, and President of Lalon Academy, Touhid Bin-Hasan.

Delivering his address as chief guest, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury conveyed warm greetings from the Prime Minister to the Lalon practitioners, devotees, and followers. He remarked that Lalon practitioners have upheld Lalon's philosophy and spiritual tradition across generations, noting that his teachings offer profound lessons in humanity, equality, non-communalism, and social harmony.

The Minister observed that during previous regimes, the stifling of education, culture, and intellectual pursuits created a dark atmosphere in society. Financial, industrial, commercial, and constitutional institutions were weakened, while the youth drifted into social crises, including drug addiction.

Describing the past two decades of governance as a "dark era" for the nation, the Minister noted that enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, persecution, constraints on freedom of expression, and obstacles imposed on religious and cultural events hindered ordinary rights and cultural development. 

Nitai Roy Chowdhury affirmed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the present government—backed by overwhelming public support—seeks to end that dark era and usher in a new, enlightened Bangladesh centered on knowledge, education, culture, humanity, and creativity.

The Minister announced plans to establish a "Lalon City" in Kushtia to make the region more attractive to national and international visitors centered around Lalon's memory and philosophy. 

Speaking as Guest of Honor, Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Cultural Affairs, stated that Lalon Shah belongs not only to Bangladesh but that his philosophy represents an asset for global humanity. 

Dr. Rahman stressed the importance of preserving Lalon songs, transcribing their musical notation (swaralipi), and translating them into various languages.

The Adviser noted that the moderate, liberal, and humane vision of Bangladesh articulated by the Prime Minister finds clear expression in the works of Lalon Shah and National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. He added that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs is taking up various initiatives to promote the literature, music, and philosophy of Lalon and Nazrul both nationally and internationally.

Reserved Women's Seat-306 MP  Mosa. Farida Yasmin, Kushtia Superintendent of Police Md. Aminul Islam, and Freedom Fighter and former Member of Parliament Syed Mehdi Ahmed Rumi were present as special guests.

Renowned essayist Dr. Rashidunnabi presented the keynote address titled "The Disappearance of Lalon Shah and His Cultural Legacy," delivering a detailed analysis of Lalon's life, philosophy, spiritual practices, and cultural heritage.

A major attraction of the opening day was the Lalon Sangeet session held at 5:00 pm, where visitors enjoyed musical renditions performed by Baul artists arriving from across the country.

The Lalon Mela at Cheuriya's Lalon Akhrabari is a long-standing tradition that attracts Baul followers, devotees, and citizens from all walks of life. The Lalon Academy premises resonated with Baul music, the notes of the ektara, and the gathering of spiritual seekers.

The Lalon Mela marking the 136th disappearance day of Lalon Shah will remain open to visitors at the Lalon Academy grounds until October 19.