Rooppur is a village about 7 miles away from the nearest town of Ishwardi. The village falls under the union of Laxmikunda in Pabna’s Ishwardi Upazial. Situated beside the Padma River, the village has got itself a few identities, of which the most significant to me is that it’s my hometown - my father’s birthplace.
I was blessed enough to spend a fairly long time of my childhood in this village. This sweetheart of mother nature also happens to be the home of the only Nuclear Power Plant of the country. Also, flanking the village is the famous Harding Bridge built in the British and the comparatively new Lalon Shah Bridge.
About three and half years later, I went to visit this place to relive my childhood memories with my family in December 2017. The journey started at about 2:30 pm from Kalyanpur bus stand. I was still carrying the touch of travel as I had returned from a whole night trip staying up on the roof the launch to Chandpur- witnessing a meteor shower. I enjoyed the 17 hour long journey, which otherwise takes 5 hours, without any complaints.
As always, local food was one of the highlights of this trip. When the bus came to a halt at the Tangail highway in front of the few shops selling the famous “Porabarir Chamcham”, I instantly got down and bought 2 large pieces weighing 500 gms and shared with my fellow travelers.
I was intently looking for the “Roswala” (one who sells natural juice/serum extracted from trees) when we were dropped off at Rooppur Mo, while taking in the breathtaking beauty of fog clad village. The most sought-after item during winter at any village is the serum extracted from the local date trees sold during the very early winter mornings only.
Though, we were already a bit late on the morning of our arrival, I made sure I enjoyed that serum on each of the remaining 3 mornings of my trip to the village, to my heart’s content. If you happen to have someone at the village or know someone ask them to bring it for you. That way even if you feel like sleeping a few extra hours in the morning, you won’t be missing out on this winter delicacy.
The views of sunrise and sunset are so magnificent in the village of Rooppur, especially during winter, that one can spend a whole day looking at it. Although, this beauty can be observed throughout the year, the misty winter has its own charm and appeal. Besides, Roopur’s location by the scenic Padma river enhances it’s beauty by manifolds.
The moonlit nights are equally charming. Being wrapped in a shawl in such shivering winter bathing under the moon lit night with a hot cup of tea in hand- what else does one need?
Rooppur hosts a wide array of birds and even though, hence hearing the sweet singing of Cuckoo from behind the dense bushes was a common phemenon at this time of the year. One can be charmed by the constant singing of Nil Kontho Bosonto Bouri or the Blue Throated Barbet – throughout the day. You can also find a lot of birds’ nests hanging in different trees. There are a lot of varieties of butterfly in the village. It’s one of those rare places where I have come across about 8-10 squirrels at the same time roaming around like free locals. Sitting quietly while watching these little creatures playing is a unique experience in itself.
After dusk, the constant chirping of the crickets create an amazing atmosphere. Orchards of mangoes and jackfruit spread across fields after fields. Although, the fruits cannot be found during this season, just walking through these orchards refreshes the mind and soul of one looking for peace.
Another attraction of the winter season in villages is the mustard fields. But being closely attached to farming from an early age, I equally enjoy the beauty of radish fields filled with white flowers. Having a few farming lands of our own provided me with the opportunity to learn and enjoy such simple beauties from childhood. But, since the fields have lost a lot of their fertility for being farmed years after years, those are now on lease to the local brick factories- which are very harmful to the environment too.
Like every time, there were arrangements of special food for us and ‘special food’ in winter means various types of sweet and spicy pithas. Dhudh Chioti, Dhudh Puli, Pur Bhora Puli, Kheer made with Date jaggery are some of the winter delicacies without which my winter is incomplete. Needless to mention that there was smoking hot “Bhapa Pitha” (sweetened idli) early morning every single day. Add to these the date serum, and supply of pure milk from our own farm as well as organic vegetables from our own garden- there is no other place like my village!
Pakshi Resort is a little away from Rooppur which provides the guests with a very healthy environment where one can avail all the local delicacies at very affordable prices. For those who can’t stay without modern fast food even at a village, there are few modern restaurants with modern décor and menu- being established at Rooppur Mor.
Rooppur does not lag behind when it comes to touristy places either. The historic Harding Bridge built in the British era is a just a 5 minutes rickshaw ride from Rooppur village and it also has the Lalon Shah Bridge running beside it. Both these bridges run over the Padma River.
After crossing the 100+ years old tunnel running underneath the Harding Bridge, a few minutes later- there’s the beautifully structured mosque, madrasa & dargah known as “Furfura Sharif”. It is much visible than before now due to the restoration work done by government. The pink outer wall with the colorful glass pieces makes this place a must-visit if you’re there at Pakshi. However, do make sure you take proper permission before taking any photograph at this place.
If you’re visiting Rooppur, you can visit both Pakshi & Ishwardi on the same day. Any auto or rickshaw will take you there. Both Ishwardi and Pakshi have a lot of spots built in the Pakistani era. Lokoshat is a place at Ishwardi where those buildings are still in use by the residents. There is also a closed paper mill at Pakshi. Ishwardi is the largest railway junction of the country. It also has the only sugarcane research center of the country. There is also rice and dal research center there.
You can reach Rooppur directly by bus from Dhaka. If you choose to go by train, you have to get down at the bypass station which is a short distance away from Rooppur and will require an auto ride. I spent the entire trip in our own home in the village. Therefore, the cost incurred won’t be the same for all, but it’s comparatively very affordable even for tourists.
Photo: Sohelee Tahmina