Kushtia, March 28 (BDNEWS) – The shrine of Baul saint Lalon buzzed with the attendence of thousands on the occasion of Dol Purnima festival. The three-day long festival ended at the shrine of Lalon Sunday night.
The Bauls rendered Lalon songs round the clock. At different hours of the day, they observed their own rituals. The initiation rites were also performed.
Ministers, politicians, researchers and social workers participated in the festival organized by Lalon Academy. On the occasion of this major festival Baul organization 'Lalon Mazar and Shebasadan Committee held different programmes including discussion meetings and cultural functions. Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdullah Al Noman opened the programme held outside the shrine Friday night organized by Lalon Academy. Post and Telecommunications Minister Barrister Aminul Haque attended the discussion meeting on Saturday as the chief guest. Khulna Divisional Commissioner Alimushshan attended the last day of the festival as the chief guest.
In the discussions over the three days, local MPs, the DC and the Academy officials demanded elevation of Lalon Academy into a full-fledged academy. They said that organizing two programmes in a year was the only function of the Academy now.
Everyday the discussion meeting was followed by Lalon songs which continued till 4am. Famous Lalon singers including the legendary Farida Parvin and the followers of Baul philosophy rendered Baul songs at an open stage.
During his lifetime Fakir Lalon Shai (death in 1890) observed the festival on Dol Purnima night at his workplace in Chheuria. After his death his followers have been observing his death anniversary on Kartik 1 and on the night of Dol Purnima. As usual the Baul fakirs started gathering at the shrine of Lalon two to three days before the festival. Even before Friday afternoon the surroundings of the shrine, the compound and the open space outside were crowded with people. Compared to the last few years, this year the attendance was the greatest. Women also participated in considerable numbers. But the number of Baul fakirs was not satisfactory.
A rural fair was organized on the occasion of the festival. Shops selling cottage industry products, pottery items, local ornaments, furniture, books and food items were there.
On the occasion of the festival, the local administration and Lalon Academy took extensive security measures. Police and BDR personnel were deployed.
BDNEWS/1927 hrs
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