More than 10 teams participated in a traditional boat race organised at Baghiar Beel in the Pakulla area of Amgram Union in Rajoir Upazila, Madaripur, on Saturday.
As the boats sped ahead, the competition gained momentum to the rhythmic splash of oars. Spectators of various ages, including men, women, and children who took position along both banks of the beel and in small boats, cheered and clapped to encourage the competitors.
Miraj Matubbar, a spectator who arrived from Bordia village in Saltha under Faridpur district, said he came with his family to watch the event as rural Bengal’s ancient sport has gradually faded over time, expressing great joy at enjoying the race.
Another visitor, Subir Nandi, who came from Sahibrampur in Kalkini with his six-year-old child Ishita, sat by the riverbank to watch the race. He noted that he used to travel wherever boat races were held in the past, but such events are now rare, adding that witnessing the contest brought an emotional rhythm back to his heart.
According to the organisers, the event was arranged to preserve the nearly 400-year-old tradition of rural Bengal and to introduce folk culture to the new generation. They also expressed their firm commitment to organising boat races consistently in the future.
At the conclusion of the competition, a refrigerator was handed over to the winning team as the first prize. In addition, five LED televisions and five mobile phones were distributed as prizes among the teams securing subsequent positions.
