Century-old boat race draws thousands on Dharla river
As afternoon gave way to evening, boats raced across the Dharla river, their oars striking the water in rhythm as thousands of spectators cheered from both banks.
The scene unfolded during the final of a centuries-old traditional boat race held in Phulbari upazila of Kurigram. The three-week-long event concluded north of the Dharla Bridge, with people arriving from nearby areas and beyond to watch the competition.
Organised by local residents, the boat race is held every year on the Dharla river to preserve the centuries-old tradition. This year's event was inaugurated on August 26, with 12 large boats and teams of rowers from different areas taking part in various rounds before the final.
Tamim Bangla from Ulipur secured first place in the final. Ashar Alo Version-1 from Hak Bazar in Shimulbari union finished second, while Dadabhai from Anandabazar in Naodanga union came third.
The crowd began gathering from noon, filling the riverbanks, boats and nearby elevated areas. Cheers and applause echoed along the river as the competing boats raced towards the finish line.
Businessman Borhan Uddin, 65, from Lalmonirhat Sadar, came with his family to watch the final.
“I really enjoyed watching the previous races, including the semi-final, on Facebook. So, I came with my family at around 3:00pm today to watch the final. I was truly impressed by the enthusiasm of the people,” he said.
Abdul Hanif Sarkar, principal of Naodanga School and College, said the large turnout showed the appeal of the traditional sport.
“It is extremely important to preserve this tradition of folk culture. I thank the organisers for arranging it,” he said.
Farmer Zahir Mondal, 85, from the Dharla shoal area, said boat races were once an integral part of life in riverine Bangladesh, bringing communities together during the monsoon.
He said the tradition has declined because of changing river courses, modern water transport and changes in rural life.
Boat Race Committee Adviser and Shimulbari Union Parishad Chairman Shariful Alam Sohel said the event aimed to revive the fading tradition and introduce it to younger generations.
“Boat racing is a traditional sport of rural Bengal. Over time, the sport has been disappearing. Organising boat races is helping revive this vanishing tradition,” he said.
Shariful further said, “The spontaneous participation and joy of the people at the final encouraged us greatly. So many people came to watch the race despite facing various difficulties.”
The race also brought a temporary marketplace to the riverbanks, with stalls selling toys, food, drinks and sweets. Local traders benefited from the large gathering.
For a few hours, the Dharla riverbank became a lively picture of rural Bengal, with the rhythm of oars, racing boats and cheering crowds bringing its folk tradition back to life.
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