White lotuses turn Kesharia Beel into a scenic wonder

NAGESHWARI, KURIGRAM, Sept 19: Thousands of white lotuses have transformed Kesharia Beel in Nageshwari Upazila into a breathtaking natural spectacle, attracting nature lovers of all ages every day.

The wetland, beside Dakanirpar Bazar in Bhitorband Union, stretches across a vast area. The perennial aquatic plant has been growing naturally in the beel for several years. The flowers begin blooming in summer and remain until autumn, reaching their peak during the season.

As the autumn sun rises, thousands of white lotus flowers emerge above a carpet of round green leaves, creating a serene landscape across the water.

The scene is particularly enchanting in the early morning. Dewdrops glisten like pearls on the white petals, while a gentle breeze makes the flowers sway together on the calm water.

For visitors, the experience is even more captivating from a boat. As the boat moves through the water, lotus flowers rise above the green leaves on both sides, offering a close-up view of the vast floral landscape.

The fragrance of the flowers, the gentle sound of the water and the quiet surroundings provide a welcome escape from the fatigue of daily life, visitors say.

Local resident Shobha Roy said Kesharia Beel had become a treasure trove of natural beauty.

“Every autumn, the beel turns into a sea of white lotuses. People of different ages come here every day to enjoy the scenery and return home delighted,” she said.

College teacher Sanjib Roy said the white lotus was more than just a flower, describing it as a symbol of purity, spirituality and enlightenment. In Hindu tradition, the flower is considered sacred and is associated with deities Saraswati and Lakshmi.

Development worker Faridul Zulfikar said lotus flowers and wetlands were deeply connected with the country's folk culture and heritage and were also important for the ecosystem.

“Lotus honey and seeds can provide livelihood opportunities for local people. So, alongside enjoying this natural wonder, we have a duty to preserve it so that future generations can also experience its beauty,” he said.