Kash fields on Dharla: A much-needed escape from lethargy

The nature has adorned itself again with the gleaming white Kashphool -- an annual phenomenon that came as a breath of fresh air for people who had been keeping themselves in self-confinement to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.

Blanketed in the lustrous flowers of the perennial grass, vast swathes of river banks, silt plains and river islands, draw a good number of visitors from near and far around autumn or Bangla month of Sharat every year.

But this year, the blooming of the Kashphool gave many people, living around the Dharla river in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram, the perfect reason to come out and taste the sun and breathe fresh air in the fields of slender Kash after long months of seclusion. 

The largest of the Kash fields is at Char Sonaigazi and Char Jyotindra Narayan in Shimulbari union of Kurigram's Phulbari upazila.

Located near the Sheikh Hasina Bridge on the Dharla and spread out over 100 bighas of land, the Kash field has turned into a hotspot for visitors.

During a recent visit to the site, this correspondent found nature lovers of all ages enjoying the bounties of nature. Some were in awe of the mesmerising view of the glistening white riverbank from boats, while many others were busy taking snaps.

Moumita Islam, a visitor from Lalmonirhat town, said loss of leisure and amusement due to Covid-19 self isolation is somewhat being compensated for by the opportunity of getting out and enjoy the beautiful Kash fields on the Dharla. "It's fascinating to see the Kash field on the chars from a boat."

Kurigram's Phulbari town resident Sumon Kumar Paul brought his family along for a day out in the Kash fields by the river.

"The children were the happiest when they saw Kashphool from the boat. They had their best one hour in the nature. It was much refreshing for the older members as well," he also said.

A trip to the Kashphool field served as a healing experience for Preeti Islam. She said the fresh air she breathed during the boat ride helped her get rid of the sense of lethargy she had been feeling during her long months of self isolation.