Nature welcomes autumn as changing season brings shifts in landscape and social atmosphere across Bangladesh

Bangladesh is transitioning into the autumn season as the monsoon rains recede, bringing a gradual shift in the landscape and climate. Despite the urban density of the capital, signs of the season—locally known as Sharot—are emerging through white cloud formations, the blooming of kans grass along riverbanks, and the distinct fragrance of shiuli flowers in the early morning.

This period, covering the Bengali months of Bhadra and Ashwin, is characterized by clear blue skies and a respite from the heavy precipitation of the previous months. While the season offers a sense of tranquility, meteorologists note that the transition remains inconsistent. Early autumn often experiences the intense heat associated with the month of Bhadra, interspersed with sudden showers and lingering humidity. Experts anticipate that the initial days of the season will maintain some monsoon traits, featuring shifting patterns of cloud cover and sunshine before the weather stabilizes in Ashwin, when hints of a cool breeze begin to signify the approaching winter.

The arrival of autumn this year coincides with a period of significant political and social transformation within Bangladesh. Following recent shifts in national leadership and governance, the population is navigating a period of introspection and high expectation. Amid these national developments, the natural rhythm of the seasons continues to influence both agricultural cycles and cultural traditions. For the farming community, the arrival of autumn serves as a precursor to the harvest, with the growth of rice stalks signaling prospects for the coming months.

Cultural practices remain deeply intertwined with the season. In parts of Northern Bangladesh, certain communities continue to observe the “Bhadorkatani” tradition, where newly married women return to their paternal homes during the first week of Bhadra, a custom rooted in long-standing local beliefs. Furthermore, the season serves as a precursor to a series of religious and social festivities, including Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja, and Diwali, which traditionally bring added activity and communal engagement.

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However, environmental observers express concern over the impact of rapid urbanization on the natural heritage of the season. The increasing loss of open fields, wetlands, and natural grasslands has forced residents of major cities to travel to peripheral areas, such as Diabari in Uttara, Mirpur, Keraniganj, or the Ariyal Beel in Munshiganj, to experience the iconic sights of the season, such as swaying fields of kans grass.

While the aesthetic of autumn is increasingly confined to the outskirts of urban centers, the season remains a vital component of the nation’s ecological and cultural identity. As the landscape continues to change, the fleeting presence of the season serves as a reminder of the necessity to preserve the natural spaces that define the unique characteristics of the Bangladeshi countryside.