Announcing the Winner of the Photographer of the Week – Week 21, 2026

This is one of the last remaining traditional Bengali boats, known as the Malar, rooted in Bengal’s riverine culture with a design dating back nearly 3,000 years. Once a symbol of craftsmanship, trade, and community life, these majestic wooden vessels are now on the verge of disappearance due to rapid urbanization and the decline of traditional boat-making practices. This 93-foot (28m) Malar boat is lifted and repaired using bamboo scaffolding—the only traditional method still available to turn such a massive wooden hull. Thick ropes are passed beneath the vessel and pulled through pulleys, requiring the coordinated effort of more than 100 skilled workers. The entire restoration process is physically demanding, highly intricate, and based on generations of inherited knowledge.

Such an overhauling process takes place only once every five years, making it an exceptionally rare cultural event. I have documented this tradition for more than eight years, witnessing not only the preservation of a boat, but also the survival of a fading heritage. Today, the Malar stands as more than a vessel—it is a living memory of Bengal’s history, craftsmanship, and enduring river culture.