The New Nation - Internet Edition

Kushtia Correspondent

Lalon Mela 2008, sponsored by Banglalink, was inaugurated on October 16 in Kushtia. The annual cultural festival is traditionally held to observe the birth anniversary of legendary baul music king 'Fakir Lalon Shah' in the third week of October every year. It has established itself as one of the largest cultural festival of the country.

Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder inaugurated the festival as chief guest, while Divisional Commissioner of Khulna Md Yunus-ur-Rahman, police super Mosleh Uddin, TNO Dhirendranath Dutta and PR and Communication Manager of Banglalink Sharfuddin Ahamed Chowdhury, among others, were present at the inauguration of the three-day event.

The fair, which is enormous size, was first organised 100 years ago. Lalon Shah is lauded as the icon of baul music, a type of folk song and now a cultural movement, all over the country and India. He is also considered as the founder of the 'baul' religion. The event has now become widely popular and is known for its entertainment.

To celebrate the event, hundreds of bauls as well as thousands of people from all over the country gathered at the Lalon Complex situated in the suburban area of Kushtia town. The fair will include a folk music competition among the bauls, a musical concert with the expected participation of famous artistes, trade fair and others. During the three days event more that one lakh visitors attended.