A boat race (Nouka Baich) was held on the Sondhya River in Barishal. Photo: BSS

BARISHAL, Oct 30, 2025 (BSS) - A traditional festival of rural Bengal—boat race (Nouka Baich)—was held on the Sondhya River in front of Shikarpur College in Uzirpur upazila In the district this afternoon.

Thousands of enthusiastic spectators gathered along the riverbanks from nearby areas to enjoy the thrilling race. 

From children to the elderly, people from all walks of life took part, turning the entire area into a festive rural fairground.

The event was jointly organized by the Uzirpur Upazila Administration and the development organization Avash. 

Barishal Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Delwar Hossain, attended as the chief guest, while Superintendent of Police Md. Sharif Uddin and Keeper of the Public Education Department at the Bangladesh National Museum Asma Ferdousi were present as special guests. Uzirpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Ali Suza presided over the program.

With financial support from the Bangladesh National Museum and UNESCO, the race started in front of Shikarpur College and continued along the river route up to the Bir Muktijoddha Major M. A. Jalil Bridge.

This year’s competition featured six traditional racing boats (bachari nouka), each named after renowned personalities and heroes of Barishal—Sher-e-Bangla A. K. Fazlul Huq, poet Jibanananda Das, Sector Commander Major M. A. Jalil, Bir Shreshtha Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir, poet Sufia Kamal, and July Martyrs.

Boat teams from Gopalganj and Madaripur districts were led by Kalipada Talukdar, Lazarez Folia, Kiran Mridha, Sanjay Roy, Shankar Baroi, and Saikat Roy. 

After the competition, a prize-giving ceremony was held at the Ichladi end of the Major M. A. Jalil Bridge.

According to locals, this boat race is more than just entertainment—it is a revival of rural heritage and a shining example of preserving cultural continuity across generations.