Lalon festival to begin in Kushtia Monday

The annual Lalon festival at Chheuriya Akhrabari in Kumarakhali upazila of Kushtia district, traditionally held over three days on the occasion of Dol Purnima, will be observed for one day this year due to Ramadan.

Every year, the Akhrabari premises fill with devotees, Bauls and spiritual leaders, with songs and a rural fair adding to the festive atmosphere.

This year, however, there will be no cultural programs or fair. With the support of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the district administration, the observance will be limited to discussion sessions and hospitality for Baul singers, concluding at noon on Tuesday, said acting caretaker of the Akhrabari, Mashiur Rahman.

Traditional spiritual gatherings will follow established rituals.

Several days ahead of the festival, Baul singers and Lalon devotees have already started arriving at the Akhrabari.

Groups are taking seats, exchanging thoughts and singing Lalon's songs, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Observers visiting on Saturday afternoon noted the fervent participation of devotees.

Fakir Fahim, a visitor from Dhaka, said, "We look forward to these days all year. During the Dol festival, Bauls and spiritual leaders from home and abroad come here and share their thoughts."

Mizanur Rahman, an American expatriate attending for the first time, said, "I have been listening to Lalon's songs since childhood. Here, I could experience their essence. Fakir Lalon preached love for humanity beyond caste, creed, or religion."

Sadhu Tofazzel Hossain from Manikganj said he had arrived a few days early, drawn by Lalon's message of love and compassion.

He noted that the festival would be smaller this year due to Ramadan.

Shanto Fakir from Chuadanga said the festival coincides with a sacred day during Dol Purnima, when Lalon Fakir used to gather disciples and devotees for spiritual and intellectual discourse.

"Being here nurtures self-purification and enhances mental and theoretical knowledge," he added.

Mashiur Rahman said the festivities would begin on Monday evening with Gurukarya, followed by Rakhial service, midnight Adhibash, Balya service at dawn on Tuesday and conclude with Purna service at noon.

The observance would be limited this year and public turnout might be lower due to Ramadan, he added.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Farzana Akhtar said CCTV cameras have been installed around the shrine for security and sufficient police and Ansar personnel will be deployed.

Village police, volunteer teams and medical staff have also been organized to assist visiting Bauls, devotees, and spectators.