The Inle Lake is located in the Shan district in the center of Burma and is sorrounded by beautiful green hills. Intha's are the local people whose lives are centered on this lake--even their name means " sons of the lake". They grow vegetables and flowers on the lake in floating beds of water hyacinth and grasses.
Intha fishermen are the only people in the world who propel their fishing boats by "leg rowing".Their unique "leg rowing" style involves standing at the stern on one leg and wrapping the other leg around the oar, and with a circular motion, propel the boat forward. This "leg rowing" technique gives them a better view of the waterways and makes it easier to locate fish and to navigate around the floating islands. These fishermen also use a conical fishing trap which has a ring holding the net. On spotting the fish, these conical nets are thrust into the lake which helps them catch carp, catfish and eel.
I was privileged to spend several days on a floating hotel on the lake and to photograph the Intha fishermen, the local markets and the various Buddhist temples during my Burma trip in December, 2010.
Leg Rower with the Conical Fishing net
Leg Rower
Sharing a Smoke
Intha Fishermen
Sunset
Friendly Smoke
Misty Morning
Relaxation at Days End
Leg Rower Intha Fisherman
Buddhist Blessing Ceremony
Buddhist Monks at the Ceremony
Buddhist Pilgrims
Glowing at Sunset
Intha Fisherman
Relaxing
Early Morning at Work
Floating Vendor
Daily Chores
Quiet Sunset
Cleaning the Lake
© Anand Khokha Photography
