'Buying new clothes, adorning boats, mending nets': Fishermen’s festivities begin with 22-day break

As fishermen of Lakshmipur prepare for their annual 22-day fishing ban, the air is filled with festivity and excitement. Most boats along the river are adorned with colourful paper decorations, and the lively sounds of music resonate all around.

Fishermen were seen purchasing new clothes, cleaning their oars, and mending their nets, all while radiating joy.

This break, which runs from 13 October to 3 November, has become a time of celebration for them.

On 12 October, the atmosphere along the Meghna River in the Motirhat area of Lakshmipur was particularly jubilant, with fishermen embracing this hiatus as a festive occasion in recent years.

Conversation with around 40 to 50 fishermen and traders along the riverbank reflected their enthusiasm.

Every boat anchored in the Joy Bangla Canal at the entrance of Motirhat Bazaar is decorated, with music blasting from speakers on their roofs. Fishermen are donning new outfits and making preparations to return home for celebrations.

One fisherman Md Ali Hossain Islam said, "We have been fishing in the river for almost four months. Now, we have a 22-day ban on fishing. On the last day of the season, we decided to celebrate together with good food and laughter."

When asked about the festivities, Rahman explained that they decorated their boats and played music while cruising on the river. 

"On Saturday, we cooked polau [rice dish] on the boat along with beef. We plan to enjoy it together at lunchtime.

"In the afternoon, traders will come to distribute money to everyone. Each fisherman will receive a new lungi, and their wives will be given sarees. They will also receive some fish to take home," he added.

Fishermen were seen purchasing new clothes, cleaning their oars, and mending their nets, all while radiating joy. Photo: TBS

Standing next to the anchored boats at the Motirhat ghat, fisherman Swapan mentioned, "Today is the farewell festival for the fishermen. Starting tomorrow, the traders and shopkeepers will begin their Halkhata festival (the practice of opening new ledger books for account-keeping)."

Over the past four months, fishermen have purchased goods on credit from various shops. 

During the closure, traders will settle accounts, which will take place in oil shops, net shops, grocery stores, and tea stalls. 

During October's Halkhata, fishermen and boat owners celebrate with biryani, polau, khichuri, and jalebi. This is also the time when fishermen settle their debts using their savings or borrowed funds.

Alamgir, a boat trader said, "I still owe some money at the oil shop. I plan to settle the account on the day of Halkhata."

Halkhata season preparation. Photo: TBS

When asked whether this season was profitable or a loss, Alamgir mentioned, "I spent Tk4.5 lakh on nets and boats, but only earned 2.5 lakh. That's a loss of 2 lakh. Now, I will take out a new loan to settle my debts with the shopkeepers."

So how do fishermen spend their time during the 22-day break? 

Md Abu Taher replied, "For the first four to five days, fishermen do not engage in any work at home. However, after a few days, they start mending their nets, repairing boats, and handling other household chores. They also visit relatives, and during this time, weddings are often organised in the fishermen's community."

Conversations with the fishermen around the Motirhat Bazaar and fish ghat revealed that the fishing ban is essentially a break from work for them. Therefore, this day of transition is quite joyful. 

However, many fishermen mentioned that despite their festive preparations, they remain indebted. 

Many won't be able to afford meals for the next three days.

Meanwhile, according to the Lakshmipur District Fisheries Office, the spawning period for Hilsa fish coincides with the full moon and new moon phases. 

Hilsa fish spawn abundantly before and after the full moon in the Bangla month of Ashwin.

According to the district fisheries officer, a single Hilsa can lay between 3 to 23 lakhs eggs.