To celebrate Pahela Baishakh, a traditional horse racing competition was held on Tuesday afternoon at the Dakshin Khashial ground in Kalia Upazila, Narail. Organized in memory of the late event organizer Biswas Tariqul Alam Prince, the race drew thousands of spectators from Narail and neighboring districts.
A total of 52 horses competed in the event. The riders’ skill and the high-speed competition transformed the area into a vibrant festival hub, echoing with the cheers of the massive crowd.
Biswas Jahangir Alam, Member of Parliament for Narail-1, attended as the chief guest. "Bangla New Year is the heart of Bengali identity," he said. "This race is a living example of our rural heritage. Such events steer the youth away from drugs and crime by encouraging healthy cultural engagement."
Spectators expressed deep appreciation for the event. Monir Hossain, a local attendee, noted that the race revives disappearing rural traditions and fosters community harmony. Riazul Islam, visiting from Dhaka, added that such cultural displays are rare in urban life and offer a vital link to the country's roots.
Asjadur Rahman Mithu, Acting President of Kalia Upazila BNP and member of the organizing committee, emphasized that the event aims to preserve traditions for the next generation. "We intend to continue this tradition in the years to come," he stated.
The event was attended by high-ranking local officials, including Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Md. Jinnatul Islam, Assistant Superintendent of Police (Kalia Circle) Robin Halder, and various local political leaders. The program concluded with an award ceremony where winners received prizes from the invited guests.
