Fishing during land preparation

The agricultural life of rural Bengal is diverse. When the muddy paddy fields are prepared for planting with the arrival of the monsoon, not only does the soil's health return, but it also brings a new chapter of joy and livelihood. Such a lively and vibrant picture has been captured where the tradition of fishing has become one with modern mechanical farming. A red tractor is cultivating and leveling the paddy fields filled with mud and water. Behind and around the tractor, a few farmers are busy preparing the land as well as collecting something in their hand-held containers. If you look closely, you can see that they are not only leveling the mud, but are also collecting native fish that have emerged from the mud as a result of cultivation. The containers in their hands are being used to store fish.

This scene is a unique reality of rural Bengal. During the monsoon or after the last Aman, when the tractor or plow is used while preparing the land, the Magur, Shing, Taki, or Shoal fish hidden in the mud come out. The farmers present and even the children, who are seen walking around naked or lightly clad in the picture, are all part of this joy. They quickly catch the fish with their bare hands or with the help of small pots. The dense green bamboo groves surrounding the fields, the leaves of large kachu trees and the natural scenery in the background make this scene more attractive. The presence of clouds in the sky indicates the rainy season, which is the best time for fishing and farming. This day is not only a day of hard work, but also a festive time when the entire family comes together and dabbles in the mud and water in search of livelihood and joy. It reminds us how rural Bengal has retained its own traditions and joyful culture even in the age of mechanization.