The mysticism of Lalon songs largely remains unrevealed and unexplored till date. This is so because Lalon's songs, which are countless, were passed on orally through his disciples and were mostly unwritten. Only a limited number of songs that could be preserved were later transcribed by his followers.

Fakir Lalon Shah (1774-1890), the most illustrious Baul poet of Bengal, was born in Chapra, Kushtia. It is said that when Tagore came to Shilaidaha of Kushtia to look after his zamindari, he invited Lalon to his place.

The Baul songs of Lalon with its simplistic tune and in-depth philosophical lyric had a profound impact on Tagore. Later, Tagore used the style extensively in his Baul trends and even termed Lalon as Kabbya Lakkhi. Tagore took the initiative and published some of the songs in the monthly Prabasi of Kolkata.

Baul is a mystical cult with a spiritual discipline relating to philosophical thoughts. The inner meaning of Lalon songs caters for peace and tranquility, and is akin to Sufism calling for the purity of soul. It highlights the intricate relation between the body and the soul. Baul songs glorify humanity. Although spiritual, the style and words testify the Bauls' inherently secular beat.

Lalon's life, however, remains shrouded in mystery. Professor Mansuruddin, a scholar of folklore, writes that Lalon was Hindu by birth. Some say he was called Lalon Chandro Rai, while others say he was called Lalon Chandro Das. His mother was known as Padmabati Devi.

Once, Lalon had been to Bahrampur in Murshidabad. On his way back, he was seriously ill with smallpox. His accomplices thought him to be dead and abandoned him in a critical condition. Destiny took Lalon to a nearby village where a Muslim family of a weaver community saved him and took care till he recovered fully. Here he met Shiraj Sai, the spiritual guide of the family. His preaching left a permanent mark on Lalon.

After Lalon recovered from illness he went back to his village only to be humiliated by his own community for taking shelter amongst Muslim family. This was the turning point in Lalon's life. He felt terribly shocked and let down and took refuge in a nearby jungle in Souria. From then on he devoted himself to meditation and sought for divine mercy and salvation. Later, Lalon set up an akhda at Chheuriya, where he lived with his wife and a few disciples.

Lalon was a humanist who completely rejected all distinctions of caste and creed. Lalon wrote songs on Guru or the spiritual guide, the central idea depicting that emancipation of the soul is not possible without guidance. The song Shob loke koi Lalon ki jaat shongsharey indicates his strong belief in humanity. His songs were a unique example of ascetics, mysticism and divinity.

After he passed away on the 17th of October 1890, at Chheuriya, at the age of 116, he was laid to rest at the place of his meditation.

Lalon geeti or songs contain high lyrical value and is considered as the finest asset in our line of folk music. In 1963, a mausoleum and a research centre were built at the site of his akhda. Thousands of Bauls come to the akhda twice a year--Dol-Purnima, in the month of Falgun (February-March) and in October, on the occasion of his death anniversary. During these three-day melas, Bauls pay rich tributes to their spiritual leader.

A two-day programme featuring reminiscence and discussion on Lalon and presentation of his songs has started at Chheuriya from October 16.

Source: Sadya Afreen Mallick (The Daily Star) Oct 18, 2004