Bangladeshi gypsy
Bangladeshi gypsy
In English, 'Bede' or 'Baidya' is called
'Water Gypsy' or 'River Gypsy'. Originating in South Asia, Gypsies are
traditionally members of different communities and traditionally have a
different way of life, which is not at all compatible with our traditional way
of life. Traditionally they are one of the nomadic communities of the world.
Most gypsies are believed to have originated in Northern India of the
subcontinent.
They are less common throughout the whole
world’s society. Although few in number, they are widely scattered across Asia,
Europe; North and South America. Although they speak the local language of the
country they live in, most Gypsies in the world speak using a mixture of Hindi
and Romany. Gypsies are mainly nomadic but are independent communities all over
the world.
Literally, Gypsy refers to a community who do
not live permanently in one place but move from place to place in search of
livelihood. From that point of view, the ‘bede’ or ‘Baidya’ community of
Bangladesh can also be called Gypsies.
The ‘Bedes’ of Bangladesh are also a nomadic
or marginal ethnic group. Traditionally at one time, they used to earn their
livelihood by fishing with hooks in the river. For this reason, all their
livelihood activities were conducted centering the river and traveling by boat.
They used to catch fish from one area of the river to another area and sell the
fish to meet their daily expenses.
However, naturally and due to the increase in
the population of Bangladesh, there are no more fish in the river to catch with
fishing hooks. Because of this, many of them are now seen to fishing with nets.
And, the more real fact is that many of them have left fishing and got involved
in other professions. Therefore, some of them left the river on professional
grounds and are now living on land.
Although they need to live on land, they do
not owe any land! So, it can be seen that they are living in fallow lands or
‘Khas’ lands by making temporary huts. Even if someone builds a temporary house
on the bank of a river or a canal, they do not abandon their boat. The boat is
tied up in the river or canal next to their temporary thatch huts.
Most of the Baiddya communities in Bangladesh
are no longer living by fishing as they were used to before. Nowadays, they are
seen trying to make a living by clinging to various professions. Whether it is
inside or outside the norms of our society. They resort to any means for their
livelihoods. We consider some of those means illegal and immoral.
Many of them earn money by performing snake
games, monkey dances, or even performing magic to entertain people. Some also
treat patients in spiritual ways using ‘spiritual verses’. They cut the skin of
the legs of patients with rheumatism and draw out the ‘bad blood’ from the body
with ‘animal horns’ thus, they also give treatment to cure rheumatism.
Nowadays, some of them go from village to
village and sell various delicacies. Women carry the responsibility of earning
money for the family. Men stay on boats or in temporary houses and take care of
the offspring.
The ‘Baidas’ of Bangladesh travel in groups
and never stay in one place for more than two months.
Related video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9lCDay3J6Q
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