Lalon Smaran Utshab
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The three-day ‘Lalon Smaran Utshab’ (memorial festival) ended on March 12 at the Chheuria Akhra (den) in Kushtia.
The theme of the festival was ‘Developing a secular society inspired by humanism.’ The event was arranged by Lalon Academy, an organisation consisting of elected members who oversee Lalon’s shrine, in association with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Grameenphone was the sponsor of the programme, while Kushtia district administration also lent a helping hand.
The programme included a ‘Lalon Mela,’ discussion and rendition of Baul songs by artistes of Lalon Academy and Bauls from various corners of the country.
On the occasion, the ‘akhra’ was colourfully decorated and attracted an influx of devotees from all over Bangladesh and abroad.
The festival is a regular phenomenon, held annually on the occasion of ‘Dole Purnima’ (full moon) in line with the last day of Bangla month Falgun.
As in previous years, a large number of Baul singers and enthusiasts attended the ‘Utshab.’ A sizeable number of female and teenaged Bauls were seen at the festival this time. For some of them, this was the first such visit. Clad in saffron attire, and carrying musical instruments, mainly ‘ektara,’ the Bauls added to the ambience of the festival.
Research has it that ‘Dole Purnima Utshab’ has been observed for about 200 years. From the very beginning, this festival was sponsored by many well wishers. Lalon himself celebrated it every year at his ‘akhra’ in his lifetime. After his death, his ’shishya’ (disciples) carried on with the tradition.
The Bauls however, refer to this celebration using several terms like ‘urus’ of the Sufis, or ’sadhu-sangho,’ ’sadhu-sheba,’ ‘motsob’/'mossob’ (corrupt of ‘mahotshab.’ Thousands of the Bauls, male and female, attend the festival and stay at the shrine premises — singing and feasting for three consecutive days.
Songs of Lalon follow Sufi and Vaishnav traditions. The common trait of both these cults is mysticism, which denotes the soul or one’s self as the centre of thought. In course of time, this turned into a sect.
In the 17th century, the Baul sect was not given its due. Bauls was regarded heretic. However, the Baul tradition goes beyond the confines of formal religion. Thus, when Lalon died no religious rites were held.
The Bauls strictly follow their own customs. To them division in society on religious lines is simply unacceptable. Bauls prefer to distance themselves from worldly desires, a philosophy that was developed by Lalon in Chheuria about 200 years ago.
Amanur Aman
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