The two-day-long ‘Shah Abdul Karim Loko Utshob 2024’ has been celebrated with songs, tributes and remembrance of the creator of timeless folk songs Baul Samrat Shah Abdul Karim on the bank of the Kalni River at Ujandhal village of Derai Upazila in Sunamganj. Along with local people, fans from different parts of the country and outside the country have also participated in this festival. On the occasion of his 109th birthday, Shah Abdul Karim Parishad, again in collaboration with the country’s largest MFS provider bKash, organised the festival at Ujandhal field in Sunamganj.
The festival has been organised since 2006 in remembrance of the king of Bengali folk songs. Presided by Shah Abdul Karim Parishad’s president and Baul Samrat’s son Shah Nur Jalal, the festival started last Thursday (15 February 2024). Deputy Commissioner of Sunamganj Mohammad Rashed Iqubal Chowdhury, Head of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs of bKash Humayun Kabir and others were present at the inauguration of the festival organised in remembrance of the Baul Samrat.
After discussion, fans paid tribute to Baul Samrat by singing his songs with the goal to spread his creations from generation to generation. ‘Gramer noujoaan hindu musolman…’, ‘Bandhe maya lagaichhe, dewana banaichhe…’, ‘Bindhure koi pabo shokhi go…’, ‘Keno piriti baraila re bondhu…’, ‘Tumi bine akul poraan…’ the melody of all his timeless songs spread in the spring breeze of Ujandhal. The excitement of the festival increased further with the display of various products at the colourful fair in the Ujandhal field.
Expressing the wish to create an academy by the name of Shah Abdul Karim, Shah Nur Jalal, Shah Abdul Karim Parishad’s president and Baul Samrat’s son, said, “Fans & music lovers from different parts of the country and abroad come to Shah Abdul Karim’s house. So, if an academy can be built here in the name of Shah Abdul Karim, then it will be possible to keep his creation and dream alive. I wish everyone’s cooperation in this regard.”
Humayun Kabir, Head of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs at bKash, said, “bKash is delighted to collaborate with this festival organised on the occasion of Ekushey Padak award winner Baul Samrat Shah Abdul Karim’s 109th birth anniversary at his birthplace Ujandhal. His wonderful creations spread all over the world. bKash always wants to stand by such events to develop such a healthy culture.”
