11 boats race on the Madhumati as a two-day rural fair draws huge crowds to both banks

A traditional boat race has been held on the Madhumati River at the Elangkhali ghat area of Mohammadpur Upazila in Magura. The rhythm of the oars, the boatmen's songs and the applause of spectators filled both banks, and huge crowds gathered to watch the competition.

The colourful competition began on the Madhumati on Sunday afternoon, 1 November. Eleven decorated boats from different areas took part. Boatmen wearing colourful T-shirts sang to the beat of instruments as they rowed their boats forward in rhythm.

A festive atmosphere spread along both banks of the river around the competition. On one side is Mohammadpur Upazila of Magura, on the other Faridpur's Boalmari Upazila. The spontaneous participation of people from both upazilas turned the two banks into a sea of people, as spectators encouraged the boatmen with applause and cheers.

The day-long event became a large gathering in a blend of rural tradition, culture and festivity. A large rural fair had been set up on the banks of the Madhumati from two days before the boat race.

Hundreds of temporary shops at the fair drew crowds of buyers and visitors. Alongside sweets, jilapi, batasa, kadma, various kinds of sandesh and pitha-puli, there were colourful balloons, wooden toys and cottage-industry goods made of bamboo and cane for children. Shops selling various earthenware fancy goods were also among the fair's attractions.

People of all ages, including the elderly, the young, women and children, came from far and wide to enjoy the boat race. Every year, relatives gather at homes across Mohammadpur Upazila around this event. For many families the day is as special as Eid joy, and a festive mood spreads across the whole upazila. Extra security measures were taken to manage the huge gathering.

The chief guest at the event was Cultural Affairs Minister Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury. He said the river is our life, the flow of our lives is tied to the flow of the river, so the river must be kept alive. If the river survives, our culture will survive, he said.

He also said rural fairs, stick games and boat races are important parts of Bengal's heritage. It is our responsibility to preserve these events, and the culture of rural Bengal carries the identity of our roots, he added.

Special guests included Magura District Police Superintendent Molla Azad Hossain, Magura Zila Parishad administrator Ali Ahmed, Additional Deputy Commissioner Abdul Kader, Mohammadpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Bedbati Mistri, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Sadman Akib, former convener of Mohammadpur Upazila BNP Principal Maimur Ali Mridha, acting principal of Kazi Salima Haque Women's College SM Yunus Ali Sardar, Magura District Press Club president Professor Saidur Rahman and general secretary Shafiqul Islam Shafiq, and Mohammadpur Upazila Press Club president Azizur Rahman Tutul, along with local dignitaries.

The day-long event ended at night with prizes distributed among the winners of the competition. The spontaneous participation of people on the banks of the Madhumati around the traditional boat race reflects people's deep love for the culture and folk heritage of rural Bengal.