The Scenic Beauty of White Water Lilies in Khoyar Village, Faridpur

The Scenic Beauty of White Water Lilies in Khoyar Village, Faridpur

Nazmul Hasan Nirab, Faridpur Correspondent:

Every year during the monsoon, the canals, ponds, and low-lying water bodies of Saltha Upazila in Faridpur fill with the exquisite bloom of the national flower, the water lily (Shapla). Alongside lilies of various colors, white water lilies dominate, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Hundreds of men, women, and young people visit these water bodies daily to admire the floating flowers. Many take boats to enjoy the gentle beauty of the lilies. The simplicity of the flowers touches the heart, and within them lies a silent poetic essence of rural nature.

Recently, a field visit to Khoyar village in the Atghar Union revealed the ‘Dop’ a pond adjacent to the southern side of the road, where white water lilies rise above the green leaves. Every morning and evening, crowds gather to enjoy this sight. Some capture it on camera, while others simply immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the flowers.

Local resident Hemayet Fakir said, "My childhood village of Khoyar is filled with natural beauty. During the monsoon, the lilies enhance the village’s charm manifold. White lilies are not only a symbol of Bangladesh but also purify the spirit of our simple village people. With the initiative of the district and upazila administration, this beauty could be preserved and turned into a pilgrimage spot for nature lovers."

Walking through the village, it feels as though the stars from the sky have fallen upon the water. The vast water surface dotted with countless lilies creates a breathtaking scene. The unspoiled charm of rural Bengal is reflected in these flowers, drawing hundreds of visitors daily.

Chakrijibi (office worker) Mafiqul Islam said, "During the monsoon, it’s not just the land but also the hearts of the people that awaken. The lilies become silent witnesses to this awakening. Their white, green, and pink colors narrate the pure story of nature."

Another local, Muradur Rahman Murad, said, "At the Dop in Khoyar, the chirping of various birds and the gentle breeze along with local fish make the environment enchanting. After the monsoon, in the dry season, onions and jute are cultivated here, and the lilies naturally grow during the rains."

Local resident Mostofa Kamal said, "In Bhadra and Ashwin months, marking the beginning of Sharot (autumn), the riversides bloom with kashful, shiuli, and white lilies. The lilies are not only a treat for the eyes but also provide livelihood opportunities."

Young resident Mamunur Rashid said, "The Dop is surrounded by green, with white lilies in the middle, it is truly mesmerizing. In a quiet afternoon, the lilies bring peace to the mind."

Villagers navigate the floating lilies by dinghy boats or small bamboo rafts, sometimes picking a few flowers along the way. In the past, children and villagers used to collect ‘Shaluk’ (aquatic tubers) connected to the lily roots for food. Although this practice has decreased, the white water lilies are still used as a vegetable in local cooking.

Saltha Upazila Agriculture Officer Sudarshan Shikdar said, "Every year, white water lilies bloom in the canals and ponds of this area during the monsoon. They are most abundant during the rainy and Sharot seasons. Locals enjoy them as vegetables, and the seeds and powder are also used to make popcorn. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibers."

How to Visit Khoyar Village:

From Faridpur town, take a bus or auto for 8-10 km to Then Thenia or Baliyagatti Bazaar. From there, take a van or auto to reach Khoyar Village, where the stunning white water lilies await.