বাংলা 
English 
'Lalon Sandhya' was held in Dhaka to commemorate the 136th tirodhan (passing) of Fakir Lalon Shah. Organised by the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre of the Indian High Commission at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Saturday (31 October) evening, the programme was graced by India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi as chief guest.
Speaking at the event, Dinesh Trivedi said, “Just as a lighthouse guides a ship that has lost its way, Lalon Sai is a lighthouse for humanity.” In a world adrift on division and narrowness, he observed, humanity is like a lost ship — and it is Lalon's philosophy that serves as the lighthouse showing the way.
According to the High Commissioner, Lalon's philosophy is a symbol of universal humanity and non-communalism. “Crossing social and religious boundaries, Lalon's songs teach us humanity,” he remarked, describing Lalon's humanistic philosophy as a bridge of friendship between India and Bangladesh. He also urged that Lalon be remembered every day, not only on special occasions.
Folk singer Shafi Mondal and his troupe were first on stage with Baul songs. Then Gazi Abdul Hakim — flautist and husband of the late Lalon exponent Farida Parveen — painted the folk hues of rural Bengal on the flute, joined by vocalist Nasrin Akhter Beauty's Lalon songs. After a choral performance by students of the Ochinpakhi Music Academy, the popular band 'Lalon' brought the evening to a full close — the flute and Lalon's songs celebrating the living tradition of Bengali folk music.
State Minister for Housing and Public Works Ahmed Sohel Monjur attended along with cultural figures from both countries.
Fakir Lalon Shah passed away at Cheuriya in Kushtia on 1 Kartik 1297 of the Bengali calendar (17 October 1890). In his memory, the three-day 136th tirodhan festival was held at the Lalon Akhra on 17–19 October this year, drawing devotees, seekers and music lovers from home and abroad; the Dhaka 'Lalon Sandhya' extends that commemoration.
For generations Lalon's songs have taught humanity to look beyond caste and creed and see people as people. Rabindranath Tagore, captivated by the mystic's songs, gave them a place in his own writings; in 2008 Baul songs found a place on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage — with Lalon at its heart.
The IGCC organised a 'Lalon Sandhya' in Dhaka last year as well, paying tribute to the late Lalon exponent Farida Parveen. This edition once again affirmed Lalon's place in the Indian High Commission's cultural calendar.
Sources: bdnews24, ATN News, Jugantor.
