IGCC Dhaka Hosts ‘Lalon Sandhya’ to Mark 135th Death Anniversary of Fakir Lalon Shah

IGCC Dhaka Hosts ‘Lalon Sandhya’ to Mark 135th Death Anniversary of Fakir Lalon Shah

Analysis:

1. The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), under the High Commission of India in Dhaka, organized a special event titled “Lalon Sandhya” to commemorate the 135th death anniversary of Fakir Lalon Shah, the revered mystic poet and philosopher.
2. The event was held at the Liberation War Museum Auditorium, attracting a diverse audience including artists, scholars, youth, and admirers of Lalon’s spiritual philosophy from across Dhaka.
3. The evening served both as a tribute to Fakir Lalon Shah’s humanist and inclusive teachings and as an homage to Farida Parveen, the “Queen of Lalon Geeti,” recognized for her lifelong contribution to preserving and popularizing Lalon’s musical and philosophical heritage.
4. In his inaugural address, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual connections between India and Bangladesh, reflected through Lalon’s universal message of unity and compassion.
5. The High Commissioner emphasized that Lalon’s ideals of humanism and equality transcend borders, continuing to strengthen the cultural kinship between the two nations.
6. He also paid tribute to Farida Parveen, noting that her music and devotion to Lalon Geeti have served as a living bridge of shared heritage between India and Bangladesh.
7. The event featured soulful performances by Chandana Majumdar, Kiran Chandra Roy, and Tuntun Baul and his team from Kushtia, who delivered authentic renditions of Lalon’s songs and philosophy.
8. Esteemed scholar Abdel Mannan, founder of Lalon Biswa Sangha, delivered a lecture on the continuing relevance of Lalon’s philosophy, emphasizing his messages of inclusivity, spiritual equality, and human dignity.
9. The cultural programme reaffirmed the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre’s role in fostering cultural diplomacy, promoting shared heritage, and strengthening India–Bangladesh cultural relations through people-to-people engagement.
10. The celebration of Fakir Lalon Shah’s legacy stands as a reminder of the shared cultural and spiritual continuity of Bengal, transcending modern political boundaries.

Static Part:

1. Fakir Lalon Shah (1774–1890):
   • A Bengali Baul saint, poet, and philosopher known for his spiritual songs promoting humanism, unity, and social equality.
   • His compositions rejected religious orthodoxy, caste, and social divisions, focusing on the inner divinity of human beings.
   • His birthplace is near Kushtia (now in Bangladesh), and his influence spans both Bengal regions of India and Bangladesh.
2. Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), Dhaka:
   • Established under the Indian High Commission, IGCC promotes Indo-Bangladesh cultural exchange through art, music, dance, and academic collaboration.
3. Farida Parveen:
   • Renowned as the Queen of Lalon Geeti, she has been instrumental in bringing Lalon’s songs to global audiences and preserving Baul traditions.
     
     
     Updated -  October 17, 2025 9:51 AM | News On Air