With the Arrival of Monsoon, the ‘Sadhaba Bohu’ Insect That Once Colored the Earth is Now Nearly Extinct
Kakatpur, 21/7 – With the arrival of the monsoon, gentle raindrops begin to fall from the sky, turning the earth into a lush green paradise. And adding to that beauty once were the bright red ‘Sadhaba Bohu’ insects, a familiar and beloved sight. There’s an old Odia saying: “Nāli ṭukuṭuku sādhaba bohu, megha barṣā re kuāḍe jāu” – referring to these insects appearing with the rains and moving along the edges of drains.
When the first rains touched the earth, these radiant insects would appear and captivate everyone with their beauty. Their vibrant red color against the green fields made the landscape even more attractive. Farmers considered the ‘Sadhaba Bohu’ a symbol of happiness and prosperity. They believed that the appearance of these insects was an omen of a good harvest. However, that belief is slowly fading away.
As development has advanced, the ‘Sadhaba Bohu’ insect seems to be losing its place on earth. No one knows exactly where they would emerge from during the first rains, especially after enduring the scorching summer days. The origin of the name ‘Sadhaba Bohu’ is also unclear. Perhaps it comes from their resemblance to a traditional Odia daughter-in-law dressed in a red-bordered saree, standing out with charm and grace.
These insects are known by different names in different parts of India – “Veer Bahuti” in some places, “Rani Kida,” “Scarlet Fly,” or “Rain Bug” in others. Among the many beautiful creations of nature, the ‘Sadhaba Bohu’ stands out. Yet today, due to human activity, even this tiny life form is struggling to maintain its existence.
There was a time when these insects would gleefully cover the grass after the first monsoon showers. But now, that scene has nearly vanished. The widespread use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in farming is believed to be the main cause of their decline. Environmentalist Shobhakara Yadav says urgent attention is needed. Otherwise, the ‘Sadhaba Bohu’ will soon be added to the list of rare and endangered species.
