The traditional boat race was held on Gorai River in Kushtia after nearly four years, drawing thousands of spectators to its banks.
A festive atmosphere prevailed as the rhythmic strokes of oarsmen’s paddles and swift boats thrilled thousands of onlookers lining both sides of the river.
From Friday morning, crowds began gathering along the riverbanks stretching from Ghorai Ghat to Haripur Bridge area. By afternoon, people of all age groups, accompanied by families and friends, congregated along the shoreline.
The competition officially kicked off at 4pm, triggering excitement among the crowd. Spectators cheered, applauded, and chanted slogans from the banks to motivate the rowers as their favourite boats surged forward.
Reza Ahmed Bacchu Molla Member of Parliament for Kushtia-1 (Daulatpur) constituency, attended the event as the chief guest, while Farida Yasmin, Member of Parliament for the reserved women’s seat, was the main speaker.
Special guests included Zahidul Islam Biplob, general secretary of Kushtia Sadar Upazila BNP; Mozakkir Rahman Rabbi, convener of Kushtia District Chhatra Dal; and Shariful Islam Sharif, organisational secretary of District Sechchhasebak Dal and editor of Daily Muktomoncho newspaper, alongside local political leaders, public representatives, and people from diverse professions.
Organisers said boat racing is not merely a contest, but an integral component of Bengal’s rural folk culture and a social gathering. The key objectives of the event are to present this declining tradition to the younger generation and foster social harmony.
Addressing the gathering, the lawmaker Reza Ahmed Bacchu Molla stressed the importance of organising annual boat races while also reviving other disappearing rural sports.
He said such initiatives preserve folk heritage and play a vital role in keeping youth away from social crimes, pledging continued cooperation for similar endeavors.
According to the organisers, approximately seven boats participated on the opening day. The three-day event is scheduled to conclude on Sunday with the final competition and prize distribution ceremony.
