Page 102 - Sonbeel Utsab 2024

To re- visit this land of rich flora and fauna and to re-look into its cultural
traditions and norms, it has been observed that Son –Beel, is the second largest
seasonal wetland in Asia and the largest in Assam. It is situated in Karimganj District
of Assam and is known as the 'Paradise' (Website citation) for its scenic beauty, with
hills surrounding it from east and west, and the Singla River passing through the
wetland. The entire region presents a picturesque landscape which appeals to all
nature lovers. In addition to it the presence of Hizol trees which thrives even when
they are half submerged in water contributes to its beauty and grandeur. What is
unique about Son –Beel is that being a seasonal wetland, it remains a lake only
during the rainy season. With the onset of the monsoons which starts from April
onwards, the stretch of land swells up with water and forms a lake. Since the lake is
not very deep, with heavy rainfall the excess water overflows into two
rivers—Kachua and Kushira—which in its turn flows into Bangladesh.(Website
citation) During the dry winter season the water of the lake dries up and the land is
utilized for the cultivation of rice, locally known as 'buro dhan'. Approximately 5km
in breadth and 16-17 km in length, the place derives its name from 'Son' a type of
long grass, growing in the surrounding area and the word 'Beel' meaning lake. The
demography of the region consists of migrants from erstwhile East Pakistan,
belonging to the Sc community viz the Nanmasudras, Kairbartas and Patni, whose
means of livelihood is fishing. (Website citation) It is for this reason that the land has
become famous for its fishery and is one of the main producers of fish for the entire
district of Southern Assam. Known for its variety of fishes it is also famous for its
Fish Marketing and Net making. Here nearly 35,000 families are directly dependent
on fishing and nearly 500 families on net-making. This fish trade includes Prawn
cultivation, Dry Fish manufacturing, Duckery farm etc. What is even uncommon
about the place is that the region is also famous for migratory birds that fly from
Siberia for about three months in a year. (Website citation)

Living in the midst of nature and sustained by the waters of the 'Beel' and
river Singla, these fishermen are daring, enterprising and ever ready to combat the
elemental forces of nature. Thus the water becomes their life force, nurturing them
and encouraging them to accept readily the challenges of life —a similar reflection
of which is seen in Manik Bandhopadhya's Padma Nadir Majhi as well as in
Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea

To look into the rich and varied cultural practices of the Son –Bheel area, it has been
observed that since cultural traditions and values are rooted in every ethnic group
and community, it is generally manifested in their individual folk derivates and
practices. These distinctive, rich, diverse legacies of cultural heritage and traditions
have existed from time immemorial and form the bedrock of such ethnic
communities—reflecting their legends, myths, folk songs, mythology and folklore.
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