Thousands of spectators, a sparkling river, and the rhythm of oars – a rural festival floated on these. The traditional boat race organised by the villagers of Hamorkona, Sherpur, brought the Kushiyara river to life on Friday.
Crowds gathered on both banks – children, adolescents, youth, and the elderly – all swept up in the excitement, clapping, shouting, and cheering. The air carried the melody of flutes and the aroma of Vapa Pitha (steamed rice cakes) and peanuts.
Welcoming everyone from a speedboat at the boat race was M Naser Rahman, a member of the BNP National Executive Committee and former lawmaker. The spectators responded by waving their hands; some were shouting, others jumping for joy.
Water droplets sparkled in the sunlight, each one seeming to be a part of the celebration.
The competitors were decorating their boats. The colorful boats, flags, and rhythmic oars – everything looked like a watercolor painting. Commentator Ali Hossain Rana was describing the speed and technique of each boat.
The first boat, belonging to Marom Ali from Baghaur, Nabinagar, touched the finishing line – prize: a shiny motorcycle. Second was the boat of Eske from Gotgao – prize: a large refrigerator.
Third was the boat of Kanai Shah from Ballabhpur – prize: a refrigerator. Fourth was the boat of Ishan from Milik Jagannathpur – prize: an LED TV.
The cheers, applause, and whistles of the audience merged and echoed on the river waves. Colorful umbrellas, shirts raised high, the joy of children – all blended into a living canvas. The scent of pitha and peanuts wafted through the air. Every drop of water seemed to dance with the people’s exhilaration.
The chief guest, M. Naser Rahman, said over the microphone, “This boat race is the soul of our village. This festival of the river and oars is not just entertainment; it is a vow to keep our tradition alive. Today’s gathering proves that the waves of the Kushiyara still carry the pulse of our culture.”
The sun was leaning towards the western sky, blending light and shadow to fill the river water with a golden glow. Waves, boats, spectators, laughter, whistles, applause, all merged into a living poem. The reflection of the sun on the river water and the people’s excitement, all combined into a perfect festival of unity.
The boat race is not just a competition; it is the life of rural culture, a vibrant celebration of the union between the river, the oars, and the people. The waves of the Kushiyara seem to say – our tradition is still alive, in our spirit, in our people, in our togetherness.
