Lalon Shah

Lalon
Also known as Fakir Lalon Shah, Lalon Shah, Lalon Fakir or Mahatma Lalon was a prominent Bengali philosopher, author, Baul saint, spiritual songwriter, social reformer and thinker was born on 17th October 1774 in Jhenaidah district, Bangladesh. Regarded as an icon of Bengali culture, he inspired and influenced many poets, social and spiritual thinkers including Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam and Allen Ginsberg although he "rejected all distinctions of caste and creed".

Lalon composed numerous songs and poems, which illustrate his philosophy. It is expected that he composed about 2,000 - 10,000 songs, of which only about 800 songs are generally measured genuine. He didn’t left any written copies of his songs, which were transmitted orally and only later transcribed by his followers. Also, most of his followers could not read or write either, so few of his songs are establish in written form. Rabindranath Tagore published some of the Lalon songs in the monthly ‘Prabasi magazine’ of Kolkata.
Among his most popular songs are Shob Loke Koy Lalon Ki Jat Shongshare, Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi, Jat Gelo Jat Gelo Bole, Dekhna Mon Jhokmariay Duniyadari, Pare Loye Jao Amai, Milon Hobe Koto Dine, Ar Amare Marishne Ma,Tin Pagoler Holo Mela, Dhonno Dhonno Boli Tare & many more.
The songs of Lalon aim at an indescribable reality beyond realism. He was observant of social situation and his songs spoke of day-to-day problems in simple yet affecting language. His philosophy was expressed through songs and musical compositions using folk instruments that could be made from materials available at any place; the ektara (one-string musical instrument) and the duggi (drum).
Songs of Lalon were mainly confined to the baul sectors. After the independence of Bangladesh, the songs reached the built-up people through well-known singers. Many of them started using instruments other than the ektara and baya. Some started using classical bases for a polished presentation to appeal to the senses of the urban masses.
Lalon was against religious argument and many of his songs mock identity politics that split communities and generate brutality. He even rejected nationalism at the apex of the anti-colonial nationalist movement in the Indian subcontinent. He did not believe in classes or castes, the fragmented, hierarchical society, and took a stand against racism.
Lalon does not fit the "mystical" or "spiritual" type who denies all worldly affairs in search of the soul: he embodies the socially transformative role of sub-continental bhakti and sufism. He believed in the power of music to change the intellectual and emotional state in order to be able to understand and appreciate life itself.
Lalon lived within the zamindari of the Tagores in Kushtia and had visited the Tagore family. It is said that the elder brother of Rabindranath Tagore, zamindar Jyotirindranath Tagore sketched the only portrait of Lalon in 1889 in his houseboat on the river Padma.
Lalon passed away at Chheuriya on 17th October 1890 at the age of 118. The news of his passing away was first published in the newspaper Gram Barta Prokashika, run by Kangal Harinath. Lalon was buried at the middle of his dwelling place known as his Akhra.
Lalon is our Pride.
He is a beyond doubt the Best & Great.

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