Sonakanta Beel, nestled in the heart of Ullapara of Sirajganj, boasts an enchanting display of red and white lotus flowers that gracefully rest upon a bed of lush green leaves, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale.
These elegant lotus blossoms, floating delicately on the water's surface, cast a spell that transports every onlooker to a world of wonder, rekindling memories of carefree childhood days. Many enthusiasts travel from afar to bask in the magnificence of this resplendent lotus spectacle.
The enchanting canvas of nature, painted with an abundance of lotus flowers, unfolds at none other than the famed Sonakanta Beel, which finds its home within the charming Amdanga village, nestled in the Hatikumrul Union of Ullapara Upazila.
Local insiders reveal that Sonakanta Beel stretches across approximately 40 bighas of land, owned collectively by the neighboring villages of Amdanga, Saratail, Alipur, and Bagdha, forming a close-knit tapestry within the Ullapara upazila. Once a year, these fertile fields are transformed into Boro paddy fields. Nestled in a low-lying terrain, the beel turns into a watery haven, embracing the monsoon rains for over half a year. This prolonged water embrace gives rise to the natural growth of delicate lotus flowers, creating a scene so captivating that the locale has earned the poetic name 'Sonakanta Padma Beel.'
As far as the eyes can wander, the landscape is awash with a sea of lotuses in various shades of pink.
The sight of these elegant flowers stretching as far as the horizon is a sight to behold, etching itself into memory. Day by day, enthusiasts from both near and far make their pilgrimage to Sonakanta Beel, eager to become a part of this symphony of floral beauty. The unique charm of Padma Beel enchants these visitors, prompting many to capture its splendor through the lens of their mobile cameras.
Local residents share heartwarming tales of the children from needy families in the vicinity, who embark on a mission to collect and offer these lotus treasures in local markets.
Each delicate bloom fetches a modest price ranging from 10 to 15 taka, finding homes with admirers who seek to bring a piece of this natural wonder into their lives.
Monir and Mahi, two young souls immersed in the art of lotus harvesting, share their daily routine of navigating the thorny embrace of lotus trees to gather these blooming jewels. With each plucked flower, they embark on a journey to local markets, where their harvest translates into a daily income ranging from 250 to 300 taka.