Lalon, (Bengali: লালন) also known as Lalon Sain, Lalon Shah, Lalon Fakir or Mahatma Lalon (1772 – 17 October 1890; Bengali: 1 Kartik, 1179),was a prominent Bengali philosopher, Baul saint, mystic, songwriter, social reformer and thinker from Kushtia district of Bangladesh'. Considered as an icon of Bengali culture, Lalon inspired and influenced many poets, social and religious thinkers including Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam,[5] and Allen Ginsberg[6] although he "rejected all distinctions of caste and creed". Widely celebrated as an epitome of religious tolerance, he was also accused of heresy during his lifetime and after his death. In his songs, Lalon envisioned a society where all religions and beliefs would stay in harmony. He founded the institute known as Lalon Akhrah in Cheuriya, about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from Kushtia railway station. His disciples dwell mostly in Bangladesh and West Bengal. Every year on the occasion of his death anniversary, thousands of his disciples and devotees assemble at Lalon Akhrah, and pay homage to the departed guru through celebration and discussion of his songs and philosophy for three days. In 2004, Lalon was placed at number 12 in the BBC's poll of the Greatest Bengali of All Time.
Native name লালন
Born 1772
Birth place disputed
Died 17 October 1890
Cheuriya, Kushtia, Bangladesh
Resting place Cheuriya, Kushtia, Bangladesh
Other names Baul Shamrat, Mohatma
Title Mahatma
Fakir Lalon Shah was a Bangladeshi and well-known poet and artist from India. He is still in every Bengali heart.