The death anniversary of the legendary Baul Shah Abdul Karim was on September 12. Every year on this day, various arrangements are made in different parts of the country in his memory. Devotees of Baul’s songs continue to rave about his timeless creations.
Shah Abdul Karim was born on February 15, 1916, in Ujandhal village in Dirai upazila of Sunamganj district. He grew up in a struggling, poor family with a father, Ibrahim Ali, and a mother, Naiorjan. Ektara became Karim’s constant companion in his childhood. As he grew older, he became addicted to Baul and spiritual songs. That’s why Kamar Uddin, Sadhak Rashid Uddin, and Shah Ibrahim rushed to Baul Sadhak to take talim. He proved himself to be their worthy disciple through Sadhana. Shah Abdul Karim was so fond of music that he was not in favor of choosing any other profession.
He spent his entire life composing, singing, and doing agricultural work. By writing and composing more than 1,600 songs, he has touched the hearts of countless music lovers. His inimitable creations like ‘Age Ki Sunder Din Kattaitam’, ‘Bande Maya Lagai Che’, ‘Basant Batase’, ‘Gari Chali Na’, and ‘Kemone Bhulibo Ami’ are still resonating in the hearts of the listeners. He has been awarded numerous awards and honors, including from Ekushe Padak, for his contribution to music.