River Gypsies
River gypsies are an ethnic group in Bangladesh. They are
known as bedey to local people. The gypsies have their own lifestyle and
culture. They live in groups and do not own any land. Therefore, they live a
nomadic life travelling from one place to another. These people roam across our
rivers and waters from May to December in small country boats. These boats are
their houses. In winter, many water bodies dry up. At that time they return to
the mainland and live in make-shift tarpaulin tents on open river banks. During
the monsoon, they remain busy with fishing. Men earn by catching fish, selling
herbal medicine and entertaining people with snake charming. They also collect
natural pearls from water. Women earn by selling bangles and cosmetics. At
present they are facing many problems. Due to rapid urbanization and drying out
of rivers, many of them changing their profession.
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