Fishing Adventures

Childhood Memories of Fishing
When ponds and pits were filled with water, villagers would fish with rods, and after hours of trying, only a few fish would be caught. In my childhood, I too enjoyed fishing with a rod; it was a way to pass time with friends. In winter, when water levels were low, villagers would go fishing with different types of nets, often turning it into a community event—a sort of fair.

Types of Fish and Catching Skills
In our area, popular fish included varieties like Rohu and other local types. Back then, I could recall the names of almost all fish, though I’ve forgotten many now. Once, my uncle caught such a large fish in Maani’s pond that he couldn’t handle it alone and had to take help, with the fish eventually split between two families.

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Songs and Stories of Fishing
Fishing had its own culture, with songs and tales that fishermen used to express their lives. Some examples of these songs are:

> “Breeze blowing, waves of water
The call of the sea invites us
We cast our nets and pull out fish
Dreams are our anchor, livelihood our shore.”

These were songs from around fifty years ago. Now, none of these remain, though I still enjoy fishing. Once, I caught fish by hand—a risky act, as there could be poisonous insects in the holes—but I ended up with more fish than those who were using nets.

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Fishing During Monsoon
In the rainy season, fish would move swiftly against the water flow, jumping, flipping, as if they were dancing. Once, during monsoon, so many fish flooded our fields and paths that after the water receded, tiny fish were scattered everywhere. We had so many fish that no one could eat them all, and eventually, they were used as fertilizer in the fields.

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Our Love for Eating Fish
Just as we loved fishing, we were equally fond of eating fish. Unlike other foods, fish was like a beloved song or a favorite story—something we could never tire of. That is, as long as it was cleaned well, fried with onions, garlic, and spices, and gave off that delightful aroma, like freshly baked samosas or delicate kebabs.

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Bengali and Bihari Fish Recipes
We must admit that we do not find Bengali or Bihari-style cooked fish as enjoyable. They tend not to clean it properly or remove the smell before cooking. But we respect our friends from Bihar and Bengal, hoping they will forgive our honesty and accept our different tastes, knowing that we can still live in harmony.

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Lost Traditions
These stories belong to a time that seems to have faded away. Many traditions have died, perhaps even those of our ancestors, lost before we were born. We find ourselves drawn to things that once were, but no longer are. Our eyes yearn for those sights, and our ears miss those sounds.

Final Thoughts
We have gathered so many memories of our village that anyone who reads them will understand the true essence of rural life.

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Source: https://t.me/DrAkramNadwi/5570