Monsoon is the best time to visit the haors

The months in-between Joishtho and Kartik of the Bengali calendar are very special, endorsing an amazing phenomenon at the haor areas inundated by vast waterways. 

This is definitely a worthy sight for onlookers. Even though this year the downstream cascade of water from the Indian mountains almost flooded the areas much ahead of its time, devastating large portions of the land, the unexpected phenomenon seemed to have little effect on the local people who are both strong willed and extremely hard-working. 

It is believed that the inconceivable beauty of the haor areas is the secret behind their immense motivational quality. The enormity of the splendour cannot be described in mere words; it needs to be witnessed first-hand to comprehend the depth. 

Almost half of Kishoreganj district, including Itna, Mithamoin, Oshtogram, Nikli upazilas are termed as completely haor areas. Besides all these upazilas there is also Karimganj, Tarail, Bajitpur, Kuliarchar and Bhairab, which are widely known as partly haor areas. All these places become immensely beautiful during the monsoon season. Anybody who visits the said places in this time of the year would be able to undergo a special experience steeping with romanticism. 

He would also be able to witness the various fascinating fishing techniques such as netting, spear fishing, angling, diving, hand gathering, etc. 

While enjoying the scene surrounding me, I entered into the largest haor area and it was worth it! The scene was fabulous with large and small tides flowing into each other, the eternal blue sky mixing with the waters below. Far beyond the landscape, I could see with my bare eyes, villages in the shape of tiny green islands.

If you ever get close enough to these small villages you would be surprised to see how the people of the villages live in a seemingly squeezed livelihood with their domestic animals. The entire sight is enthralling. Even the hay piles seem to multiply the immense beauty of the green villages. Amongst all of these you would also be able to notice a lot of birds and different types of trees including Hijal, Varun, Bon Kalmi and few other rain trees rising above the water. The spectacle will definitely mesmerise any ardent traveller.

However, my personal belief is that the true beauty of haors is best captured when the sun is setting. This particular time is perfect for passionate photographers because the sky changes its hue constantly, as does the water below. An experience beyond description!

So if you were planning a visit, this would be the best time to hire a trawler and go for an adventure trip with friends and family.

By Jaglul Pasha Rusho, Photojournalist, Mymensingh

Translated by Mehrin Mubdi Chowdhury

Photo: Jaglul Pasha Rusho