4 HOUR(s)•ENTERTAINMENT
FFaiza Ramim
Faiza Ramim
Photos: Abrar Faiyaz Niloy
Kabir-Lalon Bhabsangeet Festival, a nationwide cultural festival, was inaugurated on September 11 at the field of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka, celebrating the timeless spiritual traditions and artistic contributions of Kabir (1398–1498) and Fakir Lalon Shah (1774–1890). The festival celebrates the influence of the two mystic figures whose teachings have shaped generations across the Indian subcontinent through messages of equality, compassion, devotion and human unity.
Organised by Lalon Biswasangha with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the festival will continue until October 30. Cultural programmes will be held every day from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, and the celebration will travel across all eight divisions of Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal and Rangpur.
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Kabir and Lalon’s philosophies represent a spiritual tradition that emphasises the search for truth beyond social divisions and external identities. Their songs and teachings have long encouraged people to look within themselves, embrace humanity and recognise the connection between all beings. Through this festival, organisers aim to introduce their profound creations to younger generations while creating a space for cultural dialogue, reflection and appreciation of the region’s shared spiritual heritage.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by prominent cultural and political figures. Advocate Fazlur Rahman MP, freedom fighter and senior political leader, inaugurated the festival. The scheduled chief guest, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam could not attend due to unavoidable circumstances. Representing the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Md Mizanur Rahman, Joint Secretary of the ministry, attended the programme as chief guest. Dinesh Trivedi, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, joined the ceremony as a special guest. The event was chaired by Professor Emeritus Dr Anisuzzaman, Chairman of Lalon Biswasangha.
Speaking at the inauguration, Fazlur Rahman highlighted the relevance of Kabir and Lalon’s teachings in understanding human struggles and spiritual questions. He said, “To understand the struggles of life, turn to Kabir; to understand the mysteries of the soul, turn to Lalon.”
The inaugural ceremony featured discussions, musical performances and cultural presentations involving scholars, researchers, musicians and representatives of the Kabir and Lalon traditions. The discussion panel included noted academics and cultural personalities such as Professor Dr Muhammad Asaduzzaman, Professor Dr Priyanka Gope, Dr Ahsanul Hadi, Fakir Abdul Hossain Shah, Nijhum Pankiya, Dr M K Roy and Syed Faiyaz Hasan, who shared insights on the philosophical, literary and cultural significance of Kabir and Lalon’s works.
The High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, highlighted the spirit of equality and universal humanity reflected in the teachings of Kabir and Lalon, saying, “Here, everyone is equal, an ambassador, an MP, or a common person. This equality is the very essence of Kabir and Lalon’s philosophy.”
Reflecting on the persistent relevance of their wisdom in today’s world, Trivedi added, “When sailors lose their way, they seek a lighthouse. In a world that has lost its path and peace, Kabir and Lalon’s wisdom remains that guiding light for humanity.”
The festival also served as a platform to preserve and promote the Bhabsangeet tradition, a form of spiritual music that carries deep reflections on life, humanity and the search for the divine.
Bringing together artistes, scholars, cultural leaders and audiences from diverse backgrounds, the Kabir-Lalon Bhabsangeet Festival seeks to celebrate a shared heritage built on compassion, equality and spiritual awareness.
