After months of shrinking water and exposed sandbars, the Padma River in Daulatpur has begun to look like itself again.

With the arrival of fresh water from upstream at the beginning of autumn, the river has reclaimed much of its old breadth. Silver waves now ripple across stretches that had remained dry for months, breathing new life into the riverbanks — and drawing people in search of a little respite from their busy lives.

On Friday afternoon, the riverbank at Abeder Ghat in Philipnagar was bustling with visitors.

Families, couples, young people and children began arriving as the afternoon wore on, turning the otherwise quiet riverside into a makeshift recreational spot.

The rise in water levels has brought back boat services to the river after a long break.

Boatmen could be heard calling out to passengers from the ghats, while groups of young people took engine-powered boats into the middle of the river.

Some laughed and chatted as their boats cut through the waves. Others sat quietly, enjoying the gentle rocking of the boats and the cool breeze over the water.

Fishing activity has resumed in full swing, with fishermen casting nets across the river and temporary fish markets appearing near several ghats.

Visitors, meanwhile, are finding another attraction in these riverside markets — fresh fish being brought straight from the river.

“I came here to enjoy the river, but when I saw the fresh fish being brought straight from the water, I couldn't resist,” said visitor Shahin Hossain. “So I bought some to take home.”

According to locals, fish of different species and sizes are being sold at the temporary markets for between Tk 200 and Tk 2,000.

The influx of visitors has also created opportunities for small traders.

Temporary roadside markets have sprung up along the embankment and riverbank, selling hot jilapi, chotpoti, fuchka, peyaju, hand-made roti with onion, chilli and eggplant bhorta, and haleem.

For children, there are stalls selling balloons, toys and bamboo flutes.

For Zahid Hossain, the riverside offered something that is increasingly difficult to find in a busy working life: time to slow down.

He came with his wife on their weekly day off.

“We both work in government jobs, and because of our busy schedules, we hardly get enough time for ourselves,” he said. “So we decided to spend some time by the river on our weekly holiday. We are really enjoying the atmosphere here.”

Fisherman Jamal Hossain said Fridays usually bring more visitors to the riverbank.

“More people come in the afternoon, and Friday is especially busy,” he said. “Many go boating, while others buy fish from us. Their arrival also means better sales for us.”

Locals say the contrast between the dry and wet seasons is striking.

When the Padma's water recedes during the dry months, much of the riverbank becomes quiet and deserted. With the arrival of fresh water, however, the landscape changes almost overnight.

Boats return to the river. Fishermen return to their nets. Fish markets become busy. Small traders set up their stalls. And families begin gathering along the banks.

The renewed activity is providing a welcome boost to boatmen, fishermen and small traders whose livelihoods depend, directly or indirectly, on the river and the people it attracts.

Although public holidays draw crowds, Fridays and Saturdays have become the busiest days, with visitors arriving from different parts of Daulatpur and neighbouring areas.

At dusk, the Padma in Daulatpur becomes more than a river.

Against the fading autumn sky, its waters, boats, fishermen, vendors and visitors come together in a scene where nature and everyday life seem to meet.