Rainy Season in Bangladesh – A Festive season

Wherever I look I see water, everywhere there is water...it is the rainy season, the monsoon season...trees are submerged, lands are flooded and even some villages are all under water. Yet the season brings fond memories for me. When I was younger I remember the feeling of excitement and joy and this season brings about an armada of boats, boats become the essential mode of transport. Women are excited in the villages as this season their fathers or brothers send boats to take them to their father’s home for a long term visit, termed ‘Nayor’ in Bengali.

As most of the land is underwater, people usually congregate in one another’s homes and tell stories, sing songs, children and some adults are usually playing in the water swimming and generally having a festive time. I remember the late night chatter, stories, folk songs every time I see the water, the rainy season is indeed a joyful time ...this is the inspiration behind this painting.