The annual Dol Purnima observance at the shrine of mystic poet Lalon Shah began yesterday (March 2) at Chheuriya Akhrabari in Kushtia, drawing Baul singers and devotees despite a reduced schedule due to Ramadan. Traditionally a three-day event featuring music and a rural fair, this year’s programme has been shortened to two days, with cultural performances and the fair suspended.

Organisers said the focus will remain on spiritual discussions and rituals. Proceedings will conclude at noon today.

Devotees had begun gathering days earlier, singing Lalon songs across the shrine compound. Rituals include Gurukarya, Rakhial service, midnight Adhibash, dawn Balya service and the Purna service. Security has been tightened, with CCTV surveillance and law enforcement on duty.