বাংলা 
English 
In the cultural history of Bangladesh, Kushtia is a unique chapter. The spiritual philosophy, love for mankind and the tradition of folk music of the Baul emperor Fakir Lalon Shahi are still alive on the soil of Kushtia. Every year two grand fairs are held at the akhra bari of Cheuria, bound with his memory - which are not only spiritual, but turn into a great festival of Kushtia's handicrafts, folk culture and traditional foods.
Lalon Mela: Dol Purnima and the Day of Departure
Every year, twice, thousands of devotees, Bauls, researchers and visitors gather in the courtyard of the Lalon akhra bari -
- On the Dol Purnima of the month of Falgun is celebrated the Dol festival in memory of Lalon, where Baul songs, devotional songs and sadhusangha continue all night long.
- 1 Kartik is observed as the day of the departure of Lalon Shahi, on which the sadhusangha and the fair are organised in memory of his eternal farewell.
Both these fairs are the life of Kushtia's cultural life, where everyone, forgetting the differences of religion, caste and race, unites in the tune of humanity.
The Lalon Mela Fills Up with the Colours of Handicrafts
The Lalon Mela is not only a festival of devotional songs; it is also a great exhibition of handicrafts.
Across the fair grounds are seen various artworks made by the artisans of Kushtia -
🧵 Handloom saris, lungis, ornas (scarves) and gamchhas
🪶 Earthen pots, vases, lamps, dolls and items of adornment of pottery
🎋 Mats, baskets, swings and household articles of bamboo and cane
🪡 Nakshi kantha, hand sewing and woodwork
At one time fine muslin cloth was woven in this very Kushtia region - a tradition now on the verge of extinction. But in these fairs that artistic spirit still lives on in a new form.
The visitors coming from various places of the country take these handicrafts away as mementoes, which plays a big role in the livelihood of the local artisans.
The Feast of Traditional Foods
Another great attraction of the Lalon Mela is traditional rural food.
In every lane of the fair are spread arrangements of various tastes -
🍸 Kalai ruti - the favourite food of the Bauls and sadhus, served with ghee and molasses.
🍯 Jilapi, manda, sweets of nolen gur and laddus - the most popular sweets of the fair.
🍿 Khoi, murki, chira, batasa and ghol - an inseparable part of the folk life of Kushtia.
🥞 Pithas, payesh, mustard-oil fried items and local jhalmuri and drinks - they make the fair lively.
Through these foods the rural culinary tradition of Kushtia comes alive to the new generation.
The Meeting Place of Handicrafts and Culture
This unique combination of music, handicrafts and folk food at the Lalon Mela presents the true form of rural life.
It is as if a living museum of folk culture, where people return to the pride of their roots and culture.
The message of Lalon Shahi -
"Serving man, I shall become a golden man" -
in every colour, tune and fragrance of this fair it seems to echo.
The Lalon Mela is the meeting ground of Kushtia's culture, economy and heritage.
Here, through handicrafts, the artisans earn their livelihood, and through food the cooks present the fragrance of the soil.
Just as Lalon's humanist philosophy has taught people love without discrimination, so too does this fair teach us - "Culture means the bond of man with the soil."
Every year, on the Dol Purnima of the month of Falgun the Dol festival in memory of Lalon, and on 1 Kartik on the occasion of the day of the departure of Lalon Shahi, the Lalon Mela is held at Cheuria in Kushtia. In this fair are displayed various handicrafts including handloom work, products of bamboo and cane, and pottery. Besides, there is an abundance of traditional foods such as kalai ruti, jilapi, khoi and murki. The Lalon Mela is a symbol of the folk heritage, culture and handicrafts of Kushtia.
