In the scenic fields of Sharsha upazila, the once-abundant date palm trees are becoming a rarity. The sight of sap collectors carrying earthen jars filled with fresh date palm juice is fading into memory.

Winter, a season synonymous with traditional delicacies made with date palm juice, now lacks the festive charm it once had. The gradual disappearance of date palm trees has left a void in rural traditions, where colorful spreads of pitha (rice cakes) once adorned every household.

In the past, date palms were a common sight in the fields, yards, and along the roadsides across Sharsha. Today, even the few remaining trees are often neglected, signaling an alarming loss of heritage.

Mozammel Haque, a 75-year-old resident of Raghunathpur village, recalls the golden days when a jar of fresh date palm juice cost only one taka. "We used to prepare molasses and host grand celebrations with steaming pitha. Now, such stories feel like myths," he lamented. Today, the price of a jar of date juice has skyrocketed to 300-350 taka, making it a luxury for many.

Ali Hossain, a sap collector from Swarupda village, shared his efforts to preserve the tradition. "We have about 16 date palm trees, from which we collect 6-7 jars of sap daily during the winter season. Each jar is sold for 200-250 taka," he said. Despite his dedication, the scale of production is insufficient to meet the rising demand.

Meanwhile, Abdul Salam, a 65-year-old resident of Rajapur village, expressed regret over changing habits. "We’ve become lazy. Instead of harvesting sap, we buy colorful cold drinks from shops. The few trees left are neglected, so how can we expect to get sweet sap?" he remarked.

Dipak Kumar Saha, the Agricultural Officer of Sharsha opazila, emphasized the cultural significance of date palm juice and molasses. "Date palm sap and molasses are integral parts of our culture. Pairing molasses with puffed rice is unmatched. Many date palms still exist in our surroundings, but they need care and attention. Reviving our rural festivals requires us to prioritize these trees alongside others," he said.