Amid massive enthusiasm and festive spirit, the traditional boat race on the Kumar River in Bhanga, Faridpur, was successfully held after a hiatus of 16 years, reviving a centuries-old tradition.
The vibrant boat race, organized on the occasion of the Hindu community's Vishwakarma Puja, was officially inaugurated by State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, MP.
The competition took place on Friday (September 18) starting at 4:00 PM, covering a two-kilometer stretch along the Kumar River from Charkanda to the Bhanga Food Warehouse.
Speaking as the chief guest, State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam remarked, "The culture of rural Bengal is the culture of Bangladesh, and we must preserve it." He expressed his gratitude to local MP Shahidul Islam Babul, the local administration, BNP leaders, and the residents of Bhanga for successfully reviving this long-standing local tradition.
The event's initiator, Member of Parliament for Faridpur-4 and General Secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal, Shahidul Islam Babul, stated that Bhanga's historic boat race has inspired people across the country. He thanked the thousands of attendees who gathered from three neighboring police jurisdictions and throughout Faridpur district.
"After a long time, the heartfelt demand of Bhanga's residents for a boat race has been fulfilled. People from all political, religious, and social backgrounds participated, ending a long period of deprivation from this joy," he said. Emphasizing the roots of folk culture, he added that traditional events like boat races, jari, and sari songs must be restored to entertain the public. He extended his appreciation to the local administration, BNP leaders, journalists, and people from all walks of life, announcing that next year's event will be organized on an even broader scale.
Presided over by Bhanga Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmudul Hasan, the inaugural ceremony was attended by State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam as the chief guest, and MP Shahidul Islam Babul as the special guest. Faridpur District Council Administrator and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman Md. Shamimuzzaman graced the event as the honored guest.
Other notable attendees included Bhanga Upazila BNP President Khandaker Iqbal Hossain Selim, Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Mizanur Rahman, Bhanga Upazila BNP General Secretary Ayub Mollah, Bhanga Bazar Merchant Association President Miru Munshi and General Secretary Abu Zafar Munshi, BNP Joint General Secretary Fazle Sobhan Shamim, and Jubo Dal President Osman Munshi, alongside various leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated bodies. The event drew an enormous crowd of spectators.
At least 26 large and small boats participated in the race. Refrigerators were awarded to the winners of the large boat category, while televisions were presented to the winners of the small boat category. The rowers wore colorful, matching attire, and the rhythmic splashing of oars created a poetic and festive atmosphere. Some of the competing boats measured between 120 and 140 feet in length.
To catch a glimpse of the spectacle, spectators crowded the rooftops of buildings along both banks of the river, while many families rented boats to position themselves on the water. Bridges over the Kumar River in Bhanga were packed to capacity. Centering the boat race, hundreds of floating shops sprang up along both banks, selling sweets, toys, and various household goods.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Sheikh Fayez Ahmed, Faridpur • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
