Winter is coming: Tree growers busy collecting date sap in Tarash

With the arrival of winter, preparations have begun in Tarash Upazila of Sirajganj. Although the sun is shining during the day, the cold light at night and the morning fog are signaling the arrival of winter. The atmosphere of winter is now on the roads and outskirts of the village, and the tree growers are spending a busy time with it.

The activity of the tree growers is now visible in various villages of the upazila. They are skillfully cleaning the upper part of the date palm tree, which is locally called ‘kam dewa’. When the white part of the top of the tree dries, it is cut again, and a ‘holi’ is installed there to collect the sap. This is how the flow of sweet date palm sap is prepared.

An experienced tree grower from Naogaon Union said, “We started the work of preparing the tree since the month of Kartik. However, this year, since winter came a little earlier, we have started the work earlier. It takes about a day to prepare a tree.”

Clay pots with a capacity of 6 to 10 liters are usually used to collect the juice. If the inside of the pot is coated with lime, the juice is not spoiled, but for those who prefer raw juice, pots without lime are used.

Date juice is an integral part of the Bengali tradition in winter. Various types of pitha-puli, payasam, and desserts are made with this juice. When drops of fresh date juice fall in the morning mist due to the hard work of the farmers, the taste of rural life becomes even sweeter.

This juice is not just a seasonal food—it is a culture of rural life, a symbol of joy. The hard work of the farmers of Tarash and the sweetness of the juice both indicate that winter is just around the corner.