Lala

Saleha Akter Urmi; [Facilitator]

My favourite tree (embroidery)

Fultola (embroidery)

Embroidery (EMB)

Decorative

Lala had a garden full of kela gaas (banana palms) beside her house. She and her five sisters took care of the banana trees. They sold bananas in the market and also ate bananas at home. She used bananas to make various fira (rice cakes). Her father liked bananas very much. She cannot find bananas with the same flavor in the camps. She misses her kela gaas garden very much.

Rohingya community is closely connected with nature. Houses were surrounded by large trees planted by families, so that the wood could be used to make furniture when girls got married. Trees are an integral part of their lives as they not only bear fruits but can also be chopped to make furniture and houses. The women are reminded of what they left behind when they buy fruits at the camp and feel sorry that they have to purchase the same things which they could harvest on their own and simply give away to friends and neighbours before.