Attack on Lalon fair threatens traditional culture

Narsinghapur village in Kashipur, in the sadar upazila of Narayanganj, is home to the "Muktidham Ashram and Lalon Academy," where every year a gathering of saints and the Lalon Mela (fair) is organized. Devotees of Lalon from various parts of the country participate in this event. For seven years, the event has been celebrated with peace, harmony, and joy; however, after all arrangements were made, this year the gathering and Lalon Mela will not take place. This news is unexpected for the country's culture.

According to information published in the media, the cancellation of the Lalon Mela is linked to a threat from Hefazat leader Maulana Abdul Awal. After this threat, the district administration also expressed its inability to grant permission for the Lalon Mela. The founder of Muktidham Ashram and Lalon Academy, Fakir Shah Jalal, stated that no assurances regarding security were given by the police.

Devotees of Lalon, Bauls, and Fakirs had come from far and wide for the saints’ gathering and fair, but many, in fear, have already left, and others are preparing to leave. There were even threats to burn down the entire event, but many media outlets have downplayed the news, stating that the Lalon Mela was canceled "due to objections" or "under pressure." In reality, this is a threat—not just to the Lalon Mela or Lalon himself, but to the very essence of Bengali culture. Through Fakir Lalon Sai, the centuries-old Sahajya philosophy of Bengal has been expressed. Lalon is a symbol of secularism.

The accusers have not raised any specific allegations against the Muktidham Ashram and Lalon Academy. They have merely stated that the fair is "destructive to faith." However, they did not explain how this faith is being destroyed. If such allegations are raised, then all cultural activities in the country would have to be shut down, and if this is not stopped now, it will gradually start affecting all of Bangladesh's art and culture. Where there should have been arrests of the perpetrators, the administration has shut down the Lalon Mela on the pretext of security. This shows that the administration is also anti-culture and seems to encourage the very people making the threats.

In this context, we must say that the closure of the fair under the name of Fakir Lalon Sai, the embodiment of Bengali secular ideals, is in no way helpful for the promotion of progressive cultural practices. It is unacceptable to cancel the fair’s permission without taking action against those who threatened to close it down.

We have seen in the past how religious issues have been used to disrupt the Lalon Mela, but unfortunately, in no case have the law enforcement agencies taken exemplary steps. We hope that no such unpleasant incidents occur in Bangladesh again. To the extremist religious groups, we say: If you continue to attack the timeless culture of Bengal under the guise of religious excuses, it will not be beneficial for the country. Bangladesh will turn into a communal state. To the administration, we say: Do not be defeated by threats from any particular group, and take legal action. Such incidents are not a good sign. Be cautious now. Above all, we hope that the communal bonds of Bengali religion and culture remain intact through the awakening of consciousness.