Red water lilies bloom across Monohargonj wetlands
Red water lilies are blooming across the beels, ponds and wetlands of Monohargonj upazila in Cumilla, drawing the attention of residents and visitors with their striking colours and natural beauty.
The vibrant red blossoms against a backdrop of lush green leaves have transformed the wetlands into a picturesque landscape. Amid the gentle autumn breeze, the flowers create a captivating scene that appears like a masterpiece painted by a skilled artist.
The flowers can be seen in several areas of the upazila, including Mofura, Banghar, Lakshmanpur, Betiyapara, Khila and Hasnabad. Before sunrise, the water lilies spread their petals across the wetlands, revealing their full beauty. The contrast between the deep green leaves and the bright red blossoms makes the surroundings particularly eye-catching.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Golam Sarwar Tushar said the red water lily is a remarkable symbol of the natural beauty of Bengal.
He explained that beels become inundated during Asharh, the first month of the Bengali monsoon season. The leaves and stems of the water lilies begin to grow naturally around Bhadra, and by the middle of Ashwin, the flowers bloom in abundance, transforming the wetlands into a sea of red.
He added that water lilies contain nutritional components and have traditional medicinal uses, while also serving as a food source. The plants also contribute to agriculture. At the end of the season, their leaves and stems decompose, adding organic matter to the soil. In addition, the water lilies help maintain ecological balance.
Rising above the water, the lilies enhance the natural beauty of the area and evoke the red-and-green colours of Bangladesh’s national flag. Morning dew resting on their petals adds to their charm, while the abundance of blossoms gives the wetlands a reddish hue.
Local residents say the flowers create a breathtaking sight after sunrise, attracting the attention of anyone passing through the fields. Their long stems rise above round leaves spread across the water like platters, while the delicate arrangement of countless petals makes each flower a delight to behold.
The water lilies attract people of all ages, many of whom visit the wetlands to enjoy the scenery and capture photographs. Some also share their pictures on social media. The flowers bloom in the early morning, but their petals gradually close as daylight advances.
Milan, a resident of Shoari village, said red water lilies usually grow alongside white ones in fields and beels during the rainy season. This year, however, the red varieties have been particularly prominent in the wetlands.
The flowers are adding colour to ponds, beels and jhils across Monohargonj. At the end of the rainy season, farmers plant Boro rice in the fields, and the water lilies gradually disappear. When water returns during the following monsoon, the flowers emerge again, restoring the landscape’s colourful appearance.
