The waters of the haor glowed with festive colours on Saturday as the centuries-old traditional boat race of Bengal made a grand return to Itna in Kishoreganj after nearly five decades.
With the rhythm of oars, the melody of rowing songs, and the cheers of thousands, the event was held on the Surma River adjacent to Dhanpur Bazaar in the upazila.
From early morning, spectators thronged both banks of the river, while thousands of boats dotted the water.
Some sat in boats with their families, while others stood on the riverbanks to enjoy the breathtaking race, where oarsmen pushed their boats forward with every stroke.
People came from various upazilas of Kishoreganj, as well as from Netrokona, Sunamganj, and Habiganj to enjoy the competition.
The competition began at noon with 12 participating boats. For haor residents, the boat race is not just a sport; it became a day of childhood nostalgia and the revival of rural Bengali folk tradition.
Local residents say the history of boat racing in the haor region of Kishoreganj is nearly 500 years old.
Jitendra Das from Dhanpur said the boat race is not merely entertainment; it is an integral part of the centuries-old folk culture of rural Bengal.
He noted that under the influence of modernity, folk traditions such as jari, sari, bhatiali songs, lathikhela, and other local events are fading away. He called for such programmes to be organised every year.
Mobashwir Faysal, a resident of Khaliajuri upazila in neighbouring Netrokona, came to see the boat race for the first time.
“I have heard stories of the thrill of boat racing from elders since childhood. Although there have been a few such events in nearby areas, I never had the chance to go.”
The event was organised by the people of Dhanpur Union, inspired by Member of Parliament for Kishoreganj-4 constituency Fazlur Rahman, which comprises three haor upazilas: Itna, Mithamain, and Austagram.
A golden deer was given as the first prize, a silver peacock as the second prize, and an LED television as the third prize. The prizes were handed over to the winning boat owners by the event’s chief guest, Fazlur Rahman.
Fazlur Rahman said, “The boat race is the heart and soul of the low-lying haor region. After 50 years, the main purpose of this event was not only to revive a lost tradition but also to keep young people away from drugs and involve them in sports and healthy entertainment.” He added that the tradition will be upheld with annual boat races.”
