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