The much-anticipated ‘Mohoti Sadhusanga and Lalon Mela,’ set to celebrate the legacy of mystic saint Lalon Shah in Narayanganj Sadar Upazila, was abruptly canceled following threats by the islamists group. The venue, once adorned with preparations, now stands desolate as devotees return home, their songs of devotion replaced by an unsettling silence.
Rising Tensions and Protests
The two-day festival was scheduled to begin Friday evening at the Muktidham Ashram and Lalon Academy in Norosinghpur village, but local opposition from a group identified as the ‘Tawhidi Janata’ disrupted plans. On Friday, a memorandum demanding the event’s cancellation was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Narayanganj, Md Mahmudul Hoque.
“The organizers sought permission, but due to concerns over law and order, the event was prohibited,” said Hoque.
In the preceding days, protests escalated. Last week, hundreds marched through Narsinghpur, calling for the event’s cancellation. During a gathering at a nearby Eidgah field, Abdul Awal, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Hifazat-e Islam, warned of consequences should the festival proceed.
A Halted Celebration
On Friday morning, panic spread across the Muktidham Ashram. The tarpaulin set up for the event was dismantled, bamboo poles stood bare, and the premises were under police surveillance. Organizers and devotees expressed despair.
Fakir Shah Jalal, the event organizer, shared his heartbreak:
“Devotees traveled from afar, but now they are leaving. We had hoped to share Saiji’s philosophy, but threats to ‘burn everything’ forced us to stop. The decorators dismantled the setup out of fear, and the administration asked everyone to leave.”
Jalal noted his repeated but unsuccessful attempts to secure permission from local authorities. Despite plans to scale down the event, the situation worsened.
Voices of Disappointment
Devotees lamented their shattered hopes. Kamal Uddin, a 57-year-old devotee from Cumilla, shared, “I came to sing two songs in Saiji’s name, but I’m leaving without singing even one.”
Similarly, Rafiqul Islam, a vendor, faced financial loss. “I rented a car for Tk 18,000 and am now left with a Tk 22,000 loss. I’ve never faced harassment like this in 19 years.”
Meanwhile, 65-year-old Monowara Begum sat near the ashram’s altar, defiantly remarking, “After dinner, I’ll play the pot and spoon. Will they attack us for that too?”
Cultural and Political Backlash
The cancellation drew criticism from cultural and political figures. On Wednesday, the Narayanganj Cultural Alliance organized a human chain to protest the threats, condemning the closure as an attack on cultural freedom. However, their appeals failed to reverse the decision.
Fear Among Devotees
The cancellation left devotees not only disheartened but also fearful of potential violence. Assistant Sub-Inspector Md Jahangir from Fatulla Model Police Station stated, “Some locals opposed the event. We are here to maintain law and order.”
The abrupt halt of the Lalon Mela reflects deeper challenges to cultural expression in the region. As the venue remains silent, it symbolizes not just the cancellation of an event but the suppression of a philosophy deeply rooted in Bengal’s folk tradition.