Lalon festival in Kushtia cut short this year

KUSHTIA, Mar 01 (UNB): The annual Lalon festival at Chheuriya Akhrabari in Kumarakhali upazila of Kushtia district, traditionally held over three days on the occasion of Dol Purnima, will be observed for one day this year, starting on Monday evening, due to Ramadan.
Every year, the Akhrabari premises fill with devotees, Bauls and spiritual leaders, with songs and a rural fair adding to the festive atmosphere.
This year, however, there will be no cultural programmes or fair. With the support of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the district administration, the observance will be limited to discussion sessions and hospitality for Baul singers, concluding at noon on Tuesday.
Traditional spiritual gatherings will follow established rituals.
Several days ahead of the festival, Baul singers and Lalon devotees have already started arriving at the Akhrabari.