Their vibrant displays of hand fans crafted from bamboo, cloth, and palm leaves captivate buyers, offering both relief from the heat and an opportunity to adorn their homes with colorful designs. Photo: Messenger
As a scorching heatwave blankets the nation, exacerbating the already severe load shedding, residents of Gaibandha find themselves grappling with immense suffering. However, amidst these challenging times, a traditional solution has resurfaced—hand fans.
For centuries, hand fans have been a reliable tool for combating the intense summer heat, offering respite when electricity falters. Typically overlooked in favor of electric alternatives during cooler seasons, the humble hand fan has experienced a resurgence in Gaibandha due to the unbearable heat and prolonged power outages.
Gaibandha, much like the rest of the country, is reeling under the impact of the relentless heatwave. With daily life disrupted by the oppressive temperatures, people are turning to traditional methods to cope, placing their trust in the simplicity of hand fans.
In response to the soaring demand, mobile vendors have emerged across Gaibandha's bustling markets, railway stations, bus terminals, and boat stations. Their vibrant displays of hand fans crafted from bamboo, cloth, and palm leaves captivate buyers, offering both relief from the heat and an opportunity to adorn their homes with colorful designs.
As demand surges, so too do the wholesale prices of hand fans. Previously priced at a modest 9 to 10 taka per piece, wholesalers now find themselves paying 15 to 16 taka per hand fan to meet the growing demand.
Itinerant vendors, however, lament the encroachment of plastic and fancy-designed fans into their trade. Despite this, they acknowledge the unprecedented demand for hand fans this summer, with sales surpassing previous years.
Badal Mia, a local fan seller, notes that the demand for hand fans typically coincides with the onset of summer. However, this year, the escalating temperatures have driven prices higher in the city, with hand fans ranging from 20 to 50 taka, depending on size and quality.
For individuals like Azizul Islam, hand fans are a lifeline amidst the sweltering heat and erratic power supply. With the cost of electric fans beyond reach for many, hand fans provide a much-needed source of relief.
As Gaibandha navigates through the throes of this heatwave, hand fans serve as more than just a cooling mechanism—they represent resilience in the face of adversity and a reminder of the enduring value of traditional solutions in modern times.
In the midst of this heatwave, hand fans have emerged as a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness, embodying the community's ability to adapt and find solace in traditional practices.
As temperatures soar and load shedding persists, the humble hand fan provides a tangible sense of relief, offering a simple yet effective way to combat the stifling heat. With colorful designs and sturdy craftsmanship, these handheld companions not only provide physical comfort but also serve as a cultural expression, connecting individuals to their heritage and the age-old wisdom of generations past. In Gaibandha, the revival of hand fans is more than just a response to a temporary crisis—it's a testament to the enduring power of tradition in an ever-changing world.
Messenger/Disha
