A three-day boat race and rural fair began in Rajbari district on Monday afternoon to revive traditional Bengali folk culture.
The event was inaugurated on Monday on the Padma River adjacent to the historic Mahendrapur ferry ghat in Ratandia union under Kalukhali upazila.
From Monday morning, people of all ages gathered along the riverbanks to watch the traditional festival.
The riverbanks at Mahendrapur transformed into a festive reunion, drawing thousands of visitors from surrounding districts alongside local residents.
While many watched the races standing on the bank, others hired small boats to position themselves in the middle of the river to enjoy the thrilling competition.
The presence of women, children, and youths filled the entire area with festive colour.
According to the organisers, eight large, decorated, and high-speed racing boats from various parts of the country are participating in this year’s event. Four competitive races were held on the first day.
In the thrilling opening race, ‘New Shapla’ secured victory by defeating ‘Ulat Ekta Express’. Displaying speed and strategy, ‘Jonotar Songgram’ emerged victorious against the boat from Char Gobindapur.
In a tightly contested match, ‘Khoyrana Ekta Challenger’ defeated ‘Duldul Express’. In the final race of the first day, ‘Rai Shimul Ekta Express’ from Sujanagar in Pabna defeated the famous boat ‘Lalon’ from Kushtia.
Alongside the boat race, a colourful rural fair has been set up on the riverbank. The fair features traditional sweetmeats such as misti-monda and jilapi, wooden toys, and various folk products made of clay and bamboo. Visitors crowded the stalls to buy items while watching the race.
Sharing her experience, Rahima Begum , 45, said that folk joys like boat races were fading from rural Bengal, adding that coming to the riverbank early with her family after a long time brought immense joy, describing the three days as being like Eid. She mentioned purchasing clay toys and jilapi for her children from the fair.
Farjana Akter Runa ,22 , a college student, remarked that while she had only read about and watched boat racing in books and on television, witnessing the rhythmic rowing and intense speed in person was a completely different experience.
She emphasised the need for such events to be held repeatedly to preserve these traditions for the younger generation.
Alhajj Akram Hossain ,62, recalled that such races used to take place every year on the Padma during his youth, though the practice had declined over time.
He said seeing large boats from Pabna and Kushtia competing fiercely made him feel as though old times had returned, expressing gratitude to the organisers for preserving traditional culture.
Md Suman Sheikh ,28, a service holder residing in Dhaka, said he rushed to the village with friends after hearing news of the race, remarking that the excitement and collective cheering of thousands along the bank could not be found in any other sport. He added that all four races on the first day were fiercely contested, with the final race being particularly remarkable.
Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, organisers stated that the boat race is not merely a sport or competition, but an integral part of Bengali cultural identity, organised to introduce this thousand-year-old heritage to the new generation.
The remaining competitions of the three-day event will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday with organisers anticipating even greater cultural enthusiasm on the closing days.
