Staff Reporter, Dhaka : The two-day long ‘Shah Abdul Karim Loko Utshob’ (folk festival) was celebrated in Ujandhal village of Derai Upazila in Sunamganj, with the patronage of bKash, on the occasion of the 107th birth anniversary of the Baul Samrat (King of bauls) Shah Abdul Karim.

The festival ground was transformed into a lively gathering of Bauls from various parts of Bangladesh. The creator of timeless folk songs, Baul Samrat Shah Abdul Karim, was remembered with reverence and his fans sang along with his songs. Countless listeners from all over the country were attracted to the rhythm of the soulful songs. Apart from his folk songs, there was also a commemoration of this immortal artist who won the prestigious Ekushey Padak.

In collaboration with bKash, the country’s largest mobile financial service provider, Shah Abdul Karim Parishad organized the two-day Loko Utshob, which started with the musical performance at 7 pm on Friday (March 3). Shah Nur Jalal, the convener of the Abdul Karim Loko Utshob organizing committee and the only son of Shah Abdul Karim, presided over the event in memory of the Baul Samrat. Didare Alam Mohammad Maksud Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner of Sunamganj was present as the chief guest while Mahmudur Rahman Mamun, upazila nirbahi officer of Derai, Sunamganj attended the event as special guest. Humayun Kabir, EVP & HoD of Regulatory & Corporate Affairs department of bKash along with renowned personalities were also present there.

On the occasion of the folk festival, a fair is being held since 2006 in front of the Abdul Karim Memorial Museum and on the village grounds with the initiative of the villagers of Dhal.

At the inaugural event, speakers said that the legendary Bangladeshi Baul musician Shah Abdul Karim used to sing for the common people. His songs portray the stories of social structure and state, the rights of the oppressed and disadvantaged people, as well as the unique expressions of love and separation. His songs contain self-discovery and life-oriented directions for humanity.