Bengal: As curtains drawn on Gangasagar Mela, Sagar Island returns to fishing

For centuries, drying food has been an integral portion of the radical connected the Sagar Island. This time-honored tradition, rooted successful necessity, has provided a reliable root of sustenance during the thin months, becoming an indispensable portion of the people.

However, for weeks, the beaches were devoid of the diagnostic odor of the adust fish, with respect to the festival preparations.

Hafiz Ali Laskar, a fisherman noted, “While the Sagar Mela, a solemnisation of religion and tradition, whitethorn formed a shadiness connected our sportfishing livelihoods, it besides brings important concern opportunities for galore residents. As a result, our sportfishing assemblage chooses not to protest.”
“While the Mela brings happiness to many, for america fishermen clip of enforced remainder – nary drying, nary selling, and nary income,” said Muktarul Bibi.

Echoing akin concerns, Panchu Gopal Dulai, a seasoned food trader, said, “We put heavy successful our ventures.” Pointing to his fleet of boats, helium said, “We walk months astatine sea, laden with supplies, chasing elusive schools of fish. The Mela disrupts this delicate balance, costing america precious clip and imaginable income.”

Moumita Jana reflected connected the shifting landscape. “In the past, the disruption was brief, conscionable a fewer days,” she said, adding, “But now, the extended duration of the Mela has a important interaction connected our livelihoods.”

Meanwhile, talking astir the adust food market, Syed Anwar Maqsood, caput of the Fish Importer’s Association, said, “Dry food is not perishable truthful they are ever prepared for adust months and enactment accordingly to capable the gap. Dry marketplace is majorly consumed successful Bangladesh, Agartala, Siliguri and North East side.”