Bangladesh is a riverine country, with many rivers scattered throughout. Due to its riverine nature, Bangladesh experiences a significant drop in temperature during the winter season. Depending on its geographical position, Bangladesh has six seasons, with winter seasons being one of them. During winter, cold winds flow from the northern side of Bangladesh, bringing a chill from the Himalayas, which lie to the north.
Bangladesh is a country with six distinct seasons, and winter seasons is the fifth. It starts at the end of the autumn season and lasts for two months. The winter season in Bangladesh is a favorite and beautiful time. Winter seasons begins in November and continues until February.
Winter is the season of fog. In the morning, fog covers the entire country, especially in the northern districts where it is thickest. As the sun rises, dew glistens on the grass. During this time, the sky is usually clear and fresh, with occasional cold winds. Trees shed their leaves, and people work less during the day. They go to bed early and wake up late in the morning.
Collecting Date Palm Sap:
With the arrival of winter seasons, date palm juice collection begins. At this time, those who harvest juice from date palm trees are very busy. In the morning, they collect the juice from the date palm trees. This juice is then used to make delicious jaggery. Various items are made from date palm products, which are tasty and sweet.
Preparations for juice collection start early in the winter mornings. Harvesters make arrangements with the tree owners, negotiating a price to rent each date tree for the season, typically ranging from 700 to 900 taka. After renting the tree, they clean the area around it, trim small branches, and remove some of the bark.
A few days later, a bamboo stick is inserted into the tree where the bark has been cleaned. In the evening, a clay pot is hung on the tree to collect juice, which is harvested early in the morning.
The Process of Making Jaggery:
After collecting the date palm juice, it is brought home in large clay pots and gathered in one place. The juice is then boiled in a large vessel until it turns a reddish color. This process produces high-quality jaggery, a staple sweet product in Bangladesh during the winter seasons.
The Start of a New Vegetable Season:
During winter, various vegetables appear in the markets. Farmers grow many types of vegetables and sell them at local bazaars. Cauliflower is one of the most popular items. A large quantity of vegetables is available at low prices. These vegetables are rich in nutrients like potassium, beta-carotene, and folic acid, helping to meet nutritional needs.
Cold Wave:
Cold waves are a common challenge during the winter season, especially in the northern areas. They can be dangerous for both people and animals. People often avoid going outside, and many suffer from cold-related illnesses. Farmers and animals also face difficulties due to the intense cold.
Fog and Low Visibility:
Each morning, thick fog covers the landscape, sometimes causing visibility issues. Vehicles move slowly on the roads with headlights on. The fog often lasts until noon, creating challenges for working people and their families. The bone-chilling cold also affects domestic animals, making it hard for them to find food. However, when the sun rises in the eastern sky, the cold decreases slightly.
Harvesting Rice from the Paddy Fields:
At the start of winter, farmers harvest rice, and the entire family is busy with work. Women help by cooking, preparing tools, and boiling the rice. They also help in threshing and drying the paddy in the sun. This is a time of happiness for farmers as they bring home the fruits of their labor.
Many Festivals Arrive:
Winter seasons brings numerous festivals to Bangladeshi households. People from various religions celebrate their own festivals. The “Nabanno” festival, for example, is celebrated by cooking rice-based dishes. Different types of pies are made in Bengali households. Winter festivals are celebrated widely in villages, with people coming together to enjoy the season’s festivities.
Thus, winter in Bangladesh is a time of beauty and joy. The people of Bangladesh thoroughly enjoy this winter seasons.