A century-old tradition came alive once again as the much-anticipated boat race was held on Thursday in Patuakhali’s Dashmina upazila.
Drawing large crowds and colorful participation, the event marked a vibrant display of rural heritage and communal joy.
The event took place at the large pond in front of Nibaran Chandra Roy Bari Puja Mandir at East Lakshmipur village under Dashmina Sadar union of the upazila.
The event organized by temple committee with full support from Dashmina upazila administration, began around 12:30 PM on October 2.
Six brightly decorated boats representing six local teams took part in the race, as spectators from Dashmina and surrounding areas gathered to cheer on their favourites.
The race attracted hundreds of men, women and children who began arriving at the venue from early morning, eventually packing the banks of the pond to capacity before the competition even started.
The event was presided over by Shri Shubhamoy Roy, General Secretary of Upazila Puja Celebration Committee.
Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Dr. Mohammad Shahid Hossain Chowdhury attended as the chief guest.
Other notable guests included Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Irtiza Hasan, BNP Central Executive Committee member and former DU Chhatra Dal president Hasan Mamun and Dashmina Police Station officer-in-charge Mohammad Abdul Alim.
In his remarks, the Deputy Commissioner expressed his appreciation for the organizers and emphasized the cultural significance of boat racing, calling it a vibrant reflection of riverine Bangladesh’s traditional heritage.
At the end of the competition, the winning team from Golkhali-Katakali was awarded a refrigerator.
The runner-up, Dashmina Sadar team, received a 32-inch LED television, while the third-place Lakshmipur team was awarded a 24-inch LED television.
Notably, this traditional race was suspended for several years after 2009, despite its deep cultural roots.
It was revived last year during the final day of Durga Puja and has since regained its status as a major annual attraction in the region.
ST/SH
