Traditional Kanai Bolai Dighi is located in Kachipara Union of Baufal Upazila of Patuakhali District. This lake was dug to meet the shortage of fresh water for the locals. Kanai Balai Dighi is approximately 200 meters long and 140 meters wide. About three hundred years old Dighi has various folk tales. It is said that two Hindu brothers named Kanai-Balai lived in Kachipara village about a hundred years ago. One day these two brothers sat on two giant gazelle fishes thinking they were crooked palm trees. Later the fish took the two brothers into deep water. After that, the two brothers never met again. After this incident the Dighi came to be known as Kanai Callai Dighi. And according to many, if you ask for something from this Dighi with a good heart and good intentions, it will be fulfilled and if someone does not worship or taunts the Dighi by saying Kanai, then he will be in danger.
According to locals, the water of Kanai Balai Dighi has a spiritual power to fulfill one’s desires. And because of this, people come from far and wide with various vows to bathe in Kanai Kalai Dighi. Apart from fulfilling the desires of the mind, many people bathe with the intention of purifying their body and mind. Orsh is organized every year on 9-11 of Falgun month at Dighi. Then thousands of people irrespective of religion, caste came here with faith, devotion and respect. However, now a third of the pond is filled with various weeds, undergrowth and soil and has turned into a dilapidated state.
How to go
Patuakhali can be reached from Dhaka by river and road. As the Padma Bridge has been opened, it is possible to go from Dhaka to Patuakhali in much less time and easily by road. Distance from Dhaka to Patuakhali is about 226 km. It will take about 5-6 hours to go by bus. From Syedabad, Abdullahpur, Arambagh or Gabtali bus stand in Dhaka, buses from Sakura Paribahan, Shyamoli, Greenline, Euro Coach, Hanif, TR Travels and many others go directly to Patuakhali via Padma Bridge. Non-AC bus fare from Dhaka to Patuakhali is Tk 750-900 and AC bus fare is Tk 1100-1600. Besides, a launch for Patuakhali leaves every evening from Sadarghat and reaches Patuakhali around 7 am. Launch deck rent 400-500 taka, single cabin 1300 taka, double cabin 2400 taka, VIP cabin rent 7000 taka.
From Patuakhali district town, you can come to Baufal upazila by bus and take a rickshaw to visit Kanai Balai Dighi located in Kachipara union