Songs of the soul

A three- day folk festival (Baul Utshab) concluded in Pabna on Saturday. The event organised by Gonoshilpi Shangshtha Pabna(GSSP) was inaugurated on March 4 in Pabna town hall premises. The folk festival resonated with the songs of mystic bards Fakir Lalon Shah, Hason Raja and Shah Abdul Karim.
This is the first of such festival in Pabna that includes the works of the three greats simultaneously. A discussion was held every day along with the songs of the three bards.
A colourful rally was brought out from Pabna town hall premises. Artistes, cultural activists and people from all walks of life participated in the rally and paraded the main streets of the district headquarter clad in Baul attire.
Later, the noted folk artistes of the district inaugurated the festival by lighting candles. Baul Tofazzal Hossain Boyati, Abdul Aziz Boyati and Bolai Chandra Boyati lit the candles in front of the portrait of Shah Abdul Karim, Lalon Shah and Hasan Raja.
A discussion focusing on the life and works of Shah Abdul Karim and his compositions was held on the inaugural day. President of GSSP, Professor Shibojit Nag chaired the discussion while former principal of Pabna Govt Bulbul College and noted educationist Professor Md. Nurunnabi was the key speaker on the occasion.
Among others, folk artistes from different organisations of the district and cultural activists of GSSP spoke. The speakers said that Shah Abdul Karim had devoted his life to music. Most of his verses evoke the metaphysical urge and also mirror real life.
Abdul Aziz Boyati, Tofazzal Hossain Boyati, Bolai Boyati, Abdus Salam Boyati along with their teams performed songs of Shah Karim at the inaugural.
The works of Hasan Raja were center stage on the second day. A discussion was held on Friday evening. Professor Mohammad Kamruzzaman, former head of Bangla Department of Pabna Edward College was the key speaker. Journalist Habibur Rahman Shopon; president of GSSP Professor Shibojit Nag and secretary advocate Moshfeka Jahan Konika spoke.
“Hasan Raja, son of a landlord, left a legacy of spiritual songs. Hasan Raja is one of the leading metaphysical writers. He uses imagery, allusion and other literary terms in his metaphysical works. His works can be compared with the prominent metaphysical works of the world. The philosophy of his songs needs to be comprehended," said the speakers. Among the artistes Khepa Babul, Mohan Sardar, Kalu Shadhu, Shrishti Baul Daal performed Hasan Raja songs.
On the concluding day a discussion was held on the life, work and philosophy of Fakir Lalon Shah. President of GSSP, Professor Shibojit Nag chaired the concluding day programme. Professor Monwar Hossain Jahedi, former head of Bangla department of Pabna Edward College spoke as the chief guest. Among others Dr Sarwar Jahan Fayaz; folk artiste Tofazzal Hossain Boyati and Sifat Rahman Sanam spoke on the occasion.
“Lalon is not only a name but also a institution. Lalon's works are no doubt masterpieces. His metaphysical works are also philosophical. Lalon teaches us to be devotional through music. His works are no doubt world class. We have to do more research on his metaphysical works,” said the speakers.
Later the artistes of Kushtia Lalon Academy led by Baul Abdur Rob Boyati and artistes of Pabna Bonoful performed songs of Lalon. Several hundred people had assembled at the festival.
“The assemblage of a large number of folk music enthusiasts at the festival is obviously encouraging for us,” said Biplob Bhoumik, former secretary of GSSP.