The rhythmic strokes of oars, spirited chants from boatmen and cheers from spectators turned Asharer Beel in Saltha, Faridpur into a festive gathering on Friday, as a traditional boat race brought thousands of people together.
The boat race was organized by local villagers at 4pm on Friday (August 28) near Bottola in Khoar village of Atghar Union, Saltha Upazila.
As afternoon approached, large crowds began gathering along both banks of the beel. People from neighboring areas as well as distant places came to enjoy the traditional competition.
Once the race began, the boats sped across the water as teams of boatmen pulled their oars in unison. Their energetic chants, combined with loud applause from spectators, created a vibrant festive atmosphere around the entire beel.
The excitement intensified as the competing boats raced toward the finish line. Men, women, children and people of different age groups gathered along both banks, cheering enthusiastically for the participants.
A traditional village fair was also organized around the boat race. Local traders set up stalls featuring rural products, traditional items and a variety of popular local foods.
Several entertainment arrangements were also made for children, attracting large crowds to the fair alongside the boat race.
Local residents Jakir Hossain and Saiful Islam Maruf, among others, said many traditional events of rural Bengal are gradually disappearing under the influence of modernization.
They said events such as boat races play an important role in preserving the region’s traditional culture while also giving younger generations an opportunity to experience Bengal’s folk heritage and rural way of life.
At the conclusion of the competition, prizes were distributed among the winning teams.
Saltha Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Dabir Uddin attended the event as the chief guest.
Special guests included Saltha Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Babul Rahman Khan, former Saltha Upazila BNP president Siddiqur Rahman Talukder, district school senior teacher Md. Zahid Hossain, and leaders of various social and cultural organizations.
Saltha Press Club President Nurul Islam, who spoke about the event, said traditional boat races have been declining in recent years because canals and wetlands often lack sufficient water.
“Despite these challenges, this exceptional আয়োজন captivated thousands of people,” he said.
He added that the rhythmic sound of oars, enthusiastic chants from the boatmen and cheers from spectators brought back the familiar festive spirit of the traditional boat races of rural Bengal.
