A fixture of the monsoon

The sight of brand new wooden boats arranged on the banks of the Balu River is a fixture in Kayetpara of Nasirabad in Khilgaon during the monsoon every year.

It is in fact for a weekly market of wooden boats locally known as ‘Noukar Haat’.

Every Thursday the haat opens for business at 6 am and concludes in the evening in the Kayetpara Bazar.

Most of the customers of the haat are from flood-prone and low lying areas in and around the capital.

The boats provide low cost, convenient transport over the inland waterways during monsoon. Besides, the small light boats are suitable for plying shallow waters.

The thrum of the traditional boat market in Nasirabad area was captured on camera this Thursday.

Buyers look to inaugurate their new wooden boat on the water.

A child lurks among rows of new boats for sale.

Boats for sale in the market.   

Naval carpenters and sellers wait for customers.

Two boats are kept at the river bank waiting to be sold in the weekly haat.

(Source: UNB)