Three-day Lalon Festival begins in Bogra

Farida Parveen sings at the festival.

A three-day long folk music festival, titled 'Lalon Utshab', began at Sahardighi village on the outskirts of Bogra town on December 6.
Noted Lalon exponent Farida Parveen inaugurated the festival and performed amidst a large crowd at the open-air event. Thousands of Lalon enthusiasts enjoyed the programme till midnight.
Earlier, Parveen laid the foundation stone of Lalon Academy at the village with an aim to promote Lalon-related researches as well as providing quality education.
Lalon enthusiast Md. Iqbal Hossain donated the land for the proposed Lalon Academy. He also donated Tk 1,50,000 for the construction and development of the academy, said organisers.
A committee of 42 members has been formed to run the academy. Md. Iqbal Hossain has been selected as the president of the committee.
Earlier, Lalon enthusiasts brought out a colourful rally last Sunday morning in Bogra town and held a discussion on the bard in the evening. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), (Education and Development), Md. Anwar Hussain; Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Mostafizur Rahman and Professor KM Abdul Bari, head of English Department, Bogra Mojibur Rahman Women's College attended the discussion. Md. Iqbal Hossain presided over the session. A fair, centring the festival, in the village is also on.