By Suman Ali from Rajshahi

In Shialber village, there stands a 500-year-old banyan tree, locally known as“Fulshotola.”This tree is considered a sacred site by the locals, where people from different religions come to make vows and offer Chinni (sweet offerings). According to local beliefs, many people’s wishes have been fulfilled after making vows at this site.

A local woman, Suratan, shared that a few years ago, the owner of the land intended to cut down the tree. However, after strong opposition from the locals, he decided against it. According to village elders,there is a mysterious legend behind the name “Fulshotola.”

Mohammad Abu Hanif (48), a teacher at Sobshar High School, recounted a story passed down from his ancestors.In the past, a mystical young girl was seen in a pond near the banyan tree, which covered about two bighas of land.

Particularly on Saturdays and Tuesdays at noon, the girl would emerge in the middle of the pond, remain visible for a short while, and then disappear beneath the water. This phenomenon sparked immense curiosity among the villagers.

Following this mysterious event, ayearly festival called “Fulsho Mela” was held at this site at the end of the Bengali month of Jyeshtha.However, due to local disputes, the festival has not been held for the past several years.

Despite this, people from various religious backgrounds, especially those of the Sanatan (Hindu) faith, continue to visit the site to make vows and perform rituals.To them, the tree is not just a part of nature but a sacred symbol of culture, faith, and tradition.