Fishing fest at Tangon barrage

The area around Tangon Barrage in the Tangon river at Rajagaon village in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila assumes a festive look as a large number of people from surrounding villages are now engaged in fishing there.

At the onset of the dry season, the authorities release reserved water from the barrage for agricultural activities in mid-October every year, locals said.

As the authorities did so on Thursday, the water level declined and people from adjoining villages came for fishing in the large water body.   

During a visit yesterday, this correspondent saw hundreds of people catching fish in the water body with nets and other fishing tools in a joyous mood.     

A large number of spectators including women and children came here too.

The yearly event offers people to buy different fishes, such as vodol, shol, tona, foli and other indigenous varieties, which are not available in the local markets now.

“Every year we come to enjoy the event and buy native fishes,” said Manjira Chowdhury, who came from the district town.

“The event, an attraction to the locals, takes place every year after the sluice gate is opened to release water. It is really wonderful to see hundreds of people throw their nets together,” said Mosharul Islam, chairman of Rajagaon Union Parishad.

Water Development Board built the barrage in 1984-1985 fiscal year to provide irrigation for crop cultivation in the dry season.

The fisheries department releases fry every year and the local union parishad looks after the water body.