Photo: Collected
A three-day commemorative festival titled ‘Lalon Utsob 2023’ (Lalon Festival 2023) to mark the 133rd death anniversary of the Bengali spiritual leader, philosopher, mystic poet, and social reformer Lalon Shah, also known as Lalon Fakir, began at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in the capital on Tuesday.
The first day of the festival, organised by BSA and managed by the Academy's production department, hosted the 54th edition of ‘Sadhu Mela’ at Baul Kunja of the academy. Alongside Baul singers and Lalon devotees, BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky and Director of the Production Department Sohaila Afsana, among others, attended the event.
The first day of the event featured performances by Poli Baul, Sajib Baul, and Nayan Sadhu. The music troupe Achin Pakhi presented a group rendition of a Baul song titled 'Murshid Janai Jare.'
Besides, Karim Baul, Parijat Baul, and Ruma Baul performed Lalon songs.
Distinguished Baul artists from different districts of the country performed Lalon's music at the event. The audience enjoyed the performances of the Academy's Baul team, including the chorus song 'Bhojo Murshider Kodom Ei Bela.'
Popular Baul artistes, including Baul Miraj Khepa, Baul Zahid, Baul Nayon Sadhu, Baul Afsana Emu, Baul Gorib Muktar, MR Manik, and Khapa Bidyut Sarkar, delivered stirring performances.
Eminent artistes such as Farida Parveen, Pagla Bablu, Samir Baul, Manban Anwar Shah, Khairul Wasi, and Bhogirot Malu also graced the stage with their soulful Baul performances.
The second day of ‘Lalon Utsob’ will be held on Thursday night at the mausoleum of Lalon Shah in Kushtia, while the third day of the event will take place at 4:30 pm at the District Shilpakala Academy in Kushtia.
Messenger/Disha
