Mymensingh hosts ‘Purnimar Rate, Poromer Sathe’ celebrating Lalon’s legacy

A Baul music programme celebrating the timeless songs and philosophy of Lalon Shah was held in Mymensingh on Sunday night, bringing together enthusiasts of spirituality, Sufism and Baul traditions.

Titled “Purnimar Rate, Poromer Sathe” (On a Full Moon Night, with the Divine), the event was organised by Mymensingh Baul Samity to mark the 136th death anniversary of Lalon Shah, the mystic poet and legendary Baul exponent. The programme was supported by the committee of the historic shrine of Hazrat Borhan Uddin Burapir Shah (RA) in the city.

Held on the shrine premises, the programme continued until midnight. Organised on every full moon night, the event was celebrating its sixth edition.

Baul artistes from different parts of the district captivated the audience with renditions of Lalon's songs, while performances by female Baul singers added to the vibrancy of the gathering.

The participating artistes included Joyeta Orpa, Mizan Baula, Maleka Khatun, Chandan Shah, Sohagi Sarker, Shahnaz Sathi, Sabina Sarker, Sajon Mala, Ruma Sarker, Chand Miah, Abdul Mazid, Noor Alam Sarker, Razzaq Sarker, Mafizul Sarker and Ershad Sarker.

Through melodies accompanied by the ektara and dotara, the artistes brought alive Lalon's timeless compositions exploring the relationship between creation and the Creator, the philosophy of life and the quest for the Divine. Against the backdrop of the full moon and open sky, the music created an enchanting atmosphere, keeping the audience spellbound throughout the evening.

The performers were accompanied by musicians Raj Kumar Das, Abdul Kadir, Azizul Islam, Hamid Bhandari, Mosharraf Hossain, Habib Mallik, Mizanur Rahman, Bishal and Sharif. Shahin Anwar anchored the programme.

Rezaul Karim Aslam, general secretary of Mymensingh Baul Samity, said the initiative aimed to preserve the traditions of spirituality, Sufism and Baul philosophy, promote the humanistic and spiritual messages of Sufi thought, and encourage younger generations to embrace and uphold this cultural heritage.

The programme drew music and culture enthusiasts from different walks of life, turning the shrine premises into a lively gathering of people brought together by their shared appreciation of Baul music and tradition.