Let’s have a look at the traditional floating huts In Bangladesh
Let’s have a look at the traditional floating huts In Bangladesh
Banaripara is well-known as one of the business centers of the southern region since the British rule. The paddy-rice floating market here has played one of the roles behind such an identity. The floating market of Banaripara has also got a place in the World Heritage. In recent times, the scope of this market has narrowed somewhat. However, this traditional market still survives. Tourists are constantly rushing to see the floating market of Banaripara paddy and rice with their own eyes. You can visit once.
The origin of the market
Balam rice, for which Barisal is famous, is processed in Banaripara. About twenty years ago, the paddy business was started in Banaripara. It expands over time. For the demand and reputation of balam rice processed in Banaripara, hundreds of Fariyas from different areas including Dhaka, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Khulna, Faridpur, Patuakhali, Sandwip used to come here to buy and sell rice. Besides, traders from places like Patuakhali, Madaripur, Shariatpur, Bhola used to come to Banaripara to sell their produced rice. Other businesses in Banaripara were directly or indirectly dependent on the paddy business. It is said in the mouth of the people that at one time there were so many boats in the floating paddy-rice market on the Sandhya River that the river could be crossed from one boat to another. Traders were busy buying and selling paddy and rice from morning till noon.
However, the ancient existence of this market has declined due to various reasons including modern communication system, decrease in the habit of boat movement, decrease in demand for balam rice, development of too many auto rice mills and rice production through modern technology. However, the market has not disappeared.
what you see
Banaripara paddy market held on Saturday and Tuesday. However, rice is sold on Sundays and Wednesdays. Hundreds of buyers and sellers come to the bazaar on boats in the Sandhya River. Once Banaripara Bandar Bazar, paddy and rice market was used by thousands of boats while floating in sandhya river and its tributary river-canals for a few kilometers from Paschimpar to Rayerhat. Currently there is a rice market adjacent to the launch ghat of Banaripara and a floating paddy market at Dandhat on the west bank of the river.
It can be seen here, the great festival of buying and selling rice. The work of many professions like bepari, mazhi-malla, kayal (weigher), laborers, women workers for threshing rice will catch the eye. Another product that catches the eye is Dola. A dola is a bamboo container for carrying 10 to 25 maunds. The Kutials put these dolas in boats and bring them to market after loading them with rice. Paddy and rice stalls have been sitting since early morning. The market is crowded from 8 am to 12 noon. People started decreasing as the day wore on. Distant wholesalers started their long journey after noon.
Rows of paddy boats, engine-powered trawlers and cargo-carrying launches seem like a living canvas created by an artist.
commute
You can go to Barisal by launch from Dhaka. The launch arrived at Barisal early in the morning. There are CNG autorickshaws to Banaripara from Launchghat or Nathullabad bus stand. Your cost to Barisal will be from 200 to 6000 taka depending on the journey. Launch Deck 200 Taka, Single Cabin 1200-1500 Taka, Double Cabin 2000-2600 Taka, VIP Cabin 5000-6000 Taka. You can also go to Barisal by bus. And the cost per person from Barisal to Banaripara is Tk 50-80.
stay-eat
You can come back at night after spending the whole day. If you want to stay, you will find fairly standard hotels and Dak Bungalows in Banaripara. It can also be in svarupakathi. If you want to stay as a VIP, you have to return to Barisal Sadar. And food is provided at local restaurants.
keep in mind
In the same trip you can see Swaroopakathi Roop, Guthia Mosque, Madhav Raja’s Durga Sagar, Shere Bangla AK Fazlul Haque’s House, Shere Bangla Memorial Museum, Shere Bangla College and some other places to visit. Definitely target Saturday and Tuesday. Visiting the market on other days of the week will not match the taste.
