Winter Season: The season for travelers and food lovers

Bangladesh is known for its varied meteorological conditions. This beautiful country has the presence of all six seasons- summer, monsoon (Rainy), autumn, late autumn, winter and spring. Each season comes with its own characteristics, making it separate from others. According to Bengali calendar, the position of winter season is fifth. This season is composed of two Bengali months- Poush and Magh. In this particular period of the year, the weather becomes very dry. Because of the late rise of the sun and setting up early, the winter day becomes shorter than night. It is also known as the season of mist and fog.

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Though winter season is from mid-December to mid-February, mild winter is felt from November actually. In January, the average temperature in the north-west and north-east regions of the country starts from 11° Celsius and it remains 20°-21° Celsius in coastal regions. In this season, the cold wind blows from the north and you might know that the Himalayas are located to the north of Bangladesh. For this reason, temperature of northern Bangladesh remains very low compared to southern Bangladesh. Usually, it does not rain this time, but it dews a lot at night. Despite having sunshine, temperature remains low and the weather remains cold.

In winter season, we can see the cloud-free blue sky. Due to dense fog, the sun does not appear for several days. Dewdrop on top of a leaf or grass makes the winter morning more beautiful and scenic. The whole country and country people are covered by the sheet (চাদর) of fog. This time the chilling cold wind shivers everyone’s body. When the cold wave sweeps across the country, people experience severe cold. In the morning, people busk in the sun for warmth. Sleeping under the heavy blanket is more enjoyable than sightseeing in cold weather. During winter season, various types of flowers- Ashoka, Eucalyptus, Kurchi, Camellia, Bagan Bilash, Rose, Marigold, Dahlia, Sunflower, Chrysanthemum and Mustard- bloom and enhance the beauty of winter. Wetlands and forests of this country become the destination for different species of guest birds coming from the furthest corner of the world, such as Siberia, Mongolia, and the Tibetan plateau.

Winter season is not equally enjoyed by people of different professions and classes. During this season, many people suffer from various cold-related diseases. Off these, respiratory infection, pneumonia and diarrhea are very common. Children and elderly people are the worst victims as they are prone to cold and other seasonal diseases. Many of them even die from winter illness. Low-income people, particularly day laborer, suffer greatly by severe cold for not having enough warm clothes. To get rid of this bitter cold, they light fire on the streets to warm themselves. This activity sometimes leads to the pathetic accident claiming the life of ordinary people. Not only human beings but also other living beings are badly affected by cold weather. Leaves of most of the trees become dry and as a result, leaves change color and fall off trees.

Winter season is also known as the season of festivals. During this time, religious festivals, such as Christmas and Saraswati Puja, are celebrated across the country. It is a perfect time to arrange corporate and family picnic in different historical and tourist places. Many marriage ceremonies take place in this season. That is why, it is also called the season of marriage. Parents and legal guardians of the eligible bachelors chose this season for its pleasing environment.

Winter season comes with varieties of foods. In Bangladesh, different types of cakes are made with date juice during winter. Nolen Gur (নলেন গুড়) and Patali Gur (পাটালি গুড়) and many different types of molasses are found in this season. Many new vegetables- Spinach, Bean, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Tomato, pea- are found in abundance. These vegetables are fresh and are very appetizing food. So, people stay healthy despite having intense cold.

In conclusion, I would like to request all readers to donate their old winter clothes to the poor and deprived people so that they do not suffer from bitter cold.