23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Baut Utsav – The Traditional Fishing Festival of Rural Bangladesh

As dawn breaks over Ruhul Beel in Bhangura, Pabna, hundreds of fishermen gather for the annual Baut Utsav — a traditional fishing festival that marks the dry season. When the water in the Haor and Beel recedes, villagers use handmade bamboo traps and nets to catch fish. It’s more than just fishing; it’s a celebration of community and heritage. After the catch, families share the day’s bounty together, keeping alive a centuries-old rural tradition.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2023
Date Uploaded: 10.2025
Photo Location: Bhangura, Pabna., Bangladesh
Camera: NIKON D7100
Copyright: © Md Bipul