Traditional boat race on Brahmaputra River
A traditional boat race on Brahmaputra river was entertaining for thousands of spectators gathered on the river bank at Shaheeb Quarter Park area on Monday afternoon.
The event was organised by Mymensingh Municipality marking Eid-Ul-Azha and Durga Puja celebrations.
The boat-race saw the participation of some 20 boats from different areas of Mymensingh, Jamalpur and Tangail.
The boat-men with their rhythm of sari gaan accompanied by beats of huge drums enthralled the audience greatly.
The boats raced in two groups --small boat or dingi nauka, and large boats ranging from 50-feet and over from Jailkhana Ferry Ghat and Kachari Ferry Ghat.
Talking to this correspondent, the participants said that Taka 1,75,000 to 2,000,00 is required to make a large race-boat. The boats are made with the financial support of the villagers, a practice that goes back many years.
Earlier, a discussion was held.
Deputy Commissioner of Mymensingh Mustakim Billah Faruqui was the chief guest while Mymensingh Police Superintendent Moinul Haque was the special guest while mayor of Mymensingh municipality Ekramul Haque Titu chaired the event. Other distinguished guests were also present.
The speakers said that boat races are a traditional form of entertainment in rural areas but now urbanites also enjoy the sport and the presence of thousands of people is encouraging. Now the aim should be to familiarise the younger generation with boat races, which symbolise the rich cultural history of the country.
Later, the guests distributed prizes among the winners.
Poet Sajal Quraishy was the presenter of the event.
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