Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Thursday spoke about the enduring spiritual and cultural bond between India and Bangladesh, as reflected in the life and music of Fakir Lalon Shah.

Speaking at a musical evening titled “Lalon Sandhya” the High Commissioner noted that Lalon’s philosophy of inclusion, harmony, compassion and humanity transcends national borders and continues to inspire both nations in their shared cultural journey.  

To commemorate the 135th Death Anniversary of Fakir Lalon Shah, High Commission of India through the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, organized the musical evening.

The programme, held at the Liberation War Museum Auditorium, also paid rich tribute to the Queen of Lalon Geeti Farida Parveen.

The event drew a gathering of artists, scholars, music lovers, youth and people from all walks of life.

The programme was dedicated to Fakir Lalon Shah, the mystic poet, philosopher, and humanist, who stands as one of the greatest symbols of the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of India and Bangladesh.

Born in present-day Kushtia (Bangladesh), Lalon’s philosophy of harmony between all religions, his rejection of caste, class and ritualism, and his message of human unity echo the ideals of India’s Bhakti and Sufi movement and Bengal’s Baul tradition.

His songs continue to be sung across both nations, reminding people of their intertwined histories and shared values of peace, tolerance, and inclusiveness.

The evening also paid musical tributes to Farida Parveen (1954–2024), the foremost proponent of Lalon songs and one of the most respected cultural icons of Bangladesh.

Recipient of numerous honours including the Ekushey Padak (1987) and Bangla Academy Literary Award (2019), her soulful renditions carried the mystic’s timeless messages to audiences around the world.

Nationwide Lalon Festival and fair to mark 135th death anniversary of Lalon Shah

Paying tribute to Farida Parveen, the High Commissioner said her music bridged generations and nations—serving as a cultural bridge between India and Bangladesh through her performances at countless festivals in both countries.

Lalon’s philosophy of inclusion, harmony, compassion, humanity transcends national borders: Pranay Verma

He said today’s event was not just about remembrance, but also about celebrating the shared cultural heritage of Bangladesh and India.

The programme began with musical tributes to Farida Parveen, evoking deep nostalgia and admiration for her unparalleled contribution to preserving and popularizing the Lalon tradition.

This included the screening of her songs in Hindi, translated by the former High Commmissioner of India Muchkund Dubey; flute performance by her husband, Ekushey Padak winner Gazi Abdul Hakim; melodic recitals by her disciple Beauty; and choral renditions by the students of her school Ochin Pakhi Cultural Academy.

The cultural segment included captivating individual renditions by Chandana Majumdar and Kiran Chandra Roy, who are celebrated for keeping the Lalon tradition alive in contemporary Bangladesh.

Tuntun Baul and his team from Kushtia mesmerized the audience with authentic Baul music. Established author of Lalon Biswa Sangha, Abdel Mannan delivered an insightful speech on Lalon’s teachings, philosophy, life and works and how their relevance has increased in today’s world.

The evening culminated in an energetic and modern performance by Band Lalon led by Sumi, highlighting how Lalon’s message continues to evolve with the times.

Renowned actor Afzal Hossain was the Master of Ceremonies, stringing together valuable beads of Lalon’s life and messages throughout the varied performances in the evening.

The “Lalon Sandhya” served as a heartfelt homage to both Fakir Lalon Shah and Farida Parveen, while also celebrating the enduring cultural connect between Bangladesh and India - a bond rooted in shared traditions, language, music, and philosophy.