Cast a wide net by Madhuri Mahato

Photo: Madhuri Mahato/ photo.circle

Bigun Majhi, 24, and Paltan Majhi, 32 of Bindabasini, Birjung, wake up early in the morning, pack a small bag of essentials and head out to the local Tilawe River. Until just a couple of months ago, Bigun and Paltan were working in India, across the border, as migrant workers and sending money home. When both countries imposed lockdowns in March to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were forced to return home.

When he returned, Bigun quickly realized that he needed to find an alternative way to support his family, so he decided to go fishing. “My ancestors are fishing people, we have been catching fish for centuries, I have the skills and I can do this to support my family,” says Bigun. Nine others from Bindabasini have now joined Paltan and Bigun. “Instead of sitting idle at home worrying about when the lockdown would end, we go fishing and earn about Rs. 1,500 every day,” says Paltan.

Their catch has been good so far. “The monsoon has kept its promise and the rivers are teeming with fish,” they say, “For now we can fish to feed two good meals for our families.”

Text and Photos: Madhuri Mahato @mmhisimmy
Copy Edit: Nisha Rai @nishastoryteller
Edit: Mallika Aryal @mikaness

#nepalphotoproject #nepalnow #quarantine #lockdown #fishing #terai #river