Photo: Messenger
Winter is on its way and women in Paikgacha, Khulna, are busy preparing traditional pumpkin dumplings (kumro bori) in their homes. A visit to various villages in the upzila reveals a vibrant scene of women deeply engaged in this seasonal craft. Known for their unmatched taste in winter, these dumplings are a cherished delicacy.In the early hours of the day, women gather in courtyards to mix rice, pumpkin and black gram to form a dough.
They then compete to craft the dumplings by hand, placing them in rows on thin fabric stretched over bamboo frames. Once shaped, the dumplings are dried in the sun for two to three days, or longer if sunlight is scarce. After drying, they are stored in containers.
Although modern machines have replaced traditional tools like the "dheki" for grinding, the demand for these dumplings continues to grow. This craft not only provides a source of income for women but also preserves a cultural heritage. Many of the women involved in this craft believe that small loans and support could help sustain this traditional industry, which thrives until the end of winter.
This seasonal business supports families throughout the year. Currently, a kilogram of standard pumpkin dumplings sells for 200 to 250 taka, while premium-quality ones fetch up to 450 to 500 taka. Some even send these dumplings to relatives abroad, showcasing their cultural significance.
Field visits show over a hundred women, including Shahina Begum, Laboni Akter, Sangeeta Rani, Moushumi Roy, Bonita Saha, Shathi Akter, Shyamoli Debnath, Dolly Saha, Arpana Roy, Sadhana Sutradhar, and others, busy making dumplings every day in various unions of Paikgacha. The demand for these dumplings peaks between October and March.
Sangeeta Rani, a resident of Sahapara village, shared that most families in her community lack farmland, making this craft an essential livelihood during winter. She emphasized the importance of government support, such as small loans, to sustain this tradition. Shahina Begum explained the process, stating that mixing 5 kg of pumpkin with 2 kg of black gram produces high-quality dumplings. Previously, preparing the dumplings was labor-intensive and time-consuming, but modern machines have made it quicker and easier.
A visit to different villages reveals rooftops and bamboo racks adorned with large pumpkins, ready to be turned into dumplings. Women in neighborhoods and villages work together in groups or individually, creating a lively atmosphere of productivity. Local experts believe that with proper training and support, rural women can significantly improve their livelihoods and contribute to the rural economy.
Messenger/Asraful/JRTarek
