Over 700 guests attend Lalon Sandhya 2026 in Dhaka, celebrating Baul music and Bengal’s shared cultural heritage
DHAKA, October 31: Fakir Lalon Shah is a symbol of universal humanity and a bridge of friendship between Bangladesh and India, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi has said.
Describing the legendary Baul mystic as a “lighthouse of humanity”, Trivedi said Lalon’s philosophy of inclusiveness and his transcendence of social and religious divisions continue to hold relevance across generations.
He made the remarks at ‘Lalon Sandhya 2026’, a cultural programme organised by the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) of the High Commission of India at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday.
The event commemorated the life and legacy of Fakir Lalon Shah through Baul music, flute performances, chorus renditions of Lalon Geeti and contemporary musical presentations.
More than 700 guests attended the programme, reflecting the enduring popularity of Lalon’s music and the shared cultural heritage of Bangladesh and India, according to a press release issued by the Indian High Commission.
Drawing an analogy between Lalon’s philosophy and a lighthouse guiding a ship lost at sea, the Indian envoy highlighted the spiritual and humanistic values embedded in the mystic poet’s songs.
He also underscored the importance of the Baul tradition in preserving Bengal’s shared cultural legacy and said cultural exchanges play an important role in strengthening people-to-people relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The musical evening began with traditional Baul performances by a Bangladeshi ensemble led by renowned Baul and folk musician Shafi Mondal, whose renditions reflected the spiritual essence of rural Bengal's musical heritage.
A flute recital by Gazi Abdul Hakim, husband of the late legendary folk singer Farida Parveen, followed. He was accompanied by folk and traditional singer Nasrin Akther Beauty.
Their performances brought together classical ragas and Bengali folk traditions, adding another dimension to the evening's musical celebration.
Students of Ocin Pakhi Cultural Academy then presented a chorus rendition of Lalon Geeti, highlighting the continuing appeal of the mystic songwriter's compositions among younger generations.
The programme also featured an energetic performance by internationally renowned Band Lalon, led by Nigar Sultana Sumi.
The group blended traditional Lalon Geeti with contemporary musical arrangements, demonstrating how the Baul mystic's compositions continue to inspire modern audiences while retaining their philosophical depth and cultural significance.
Among those attending the programme were Minister of State for Housing and Public Works Ahammad Sohel Monzoor, members of parliament, senior government officials, artists, former ambassadors, business leaders, academics, students, teachers and media representatives.
Former ICCR scholars and young cultural enthusiasts also participated in the event, which celebrated Lalon Shah's enduring contribution to the spiritual and cultural heritage of Bengal.
