A narrow canal in Khoksa upazila of Kushtia came alive with drumbeats, flutes, cymbals and boatmen’s shouts on Wednesday.
Thousands of people gathered along the canal to watch an exciting dinghy boat race, cheering on the competing teams.
The event took place in the Madhyapara Sardar Mor area of Jayanti Hazra village, running from Wednesday afternoon until evening. It concluded with a prize distribution ceremony around 7pm.
Organised by local residents as part of a three-day event, the race featured eight teams, each comprising eight to 12 boatmen. A three-day rural fair was also held alongside the race, attracting people of all ages.
Spectators lined both banks of the canal to cheer for their favourite teams, record videos, clap and chant slogans to the rhythm of the oars, drums and cymbals.
Local resident Rupa Mollika said villagers were accustomed to river boat races, but holding one on a village canal brought immense joy to people of all ages. She added that similar events in the future would further encourage the community.
Another resident, Asaduzzaman, said a festive atmosphere prevailed throughout the three-day event as visitors arrived from distant places.
Organisers said the initiative aimed to preserve rural traditions and provide entertainment for local residents. They also planned to hold larger-scale races in the future.
Union Parishad (UP) Member Azizul Hoque said, “There was a festive atmosphere in the area for three days centred on the race. People came from far and wide. The sound of drums, the excitement of the people, and the boat race, all together created a unique joy.”
In the final knockout round, Sonar Bangla secured first place, followed by Jotpara Express in second and Bhai Bhai Express in third.
The winning team received a Walton refrigerator, while the second- and third-placed teams received a 32-inch Walton television and a bicycle, respectively.
The Sonar Bangla team leader said competing in the narrow canal was immensely joyful and that villagers’ encouragement gave the boatmen extra energy. He said all team members had put in considerable effort and admitted he had not expected the inaugural event to be so well organised.
He expressed interest in participating again if a larger-scale race is held in the future.
Khoksa Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Khalid Bin Mansur attended the prize distribution and closing ceremony as chief guest.
Khoksa Upazila BNP General Secretary Anis Uz Zaman and Khoksa Police Station Officer-in-charge (OC) Molla Zakir Hossain were present as special guests.
Speaking to TIMES of Bangladesh, UNO Khalid Bin Mansur said, “This is an initiative of the villagers. Due to their interest, they organised a boat race on a small scale with dinghy boats. The way rural people participated is commendable. A large number of people gathered here.”
