A boat race has been held at Kotalipara in Gopalganj on the occasion of Bishwakarma Puja. The boat race was held on Friday from 4:30 pm to 2 pm along two kilometers of Kaliganj Babur canal in the upazila. This local boating has a 200-year tradition. 50 boats from remote villages of Gopalganj, Madaripur, Pirojpur, Narail and Barisal districts took part in the boat race.
Today, the additional attraction of boating was the boat fair. The presence of women in boats and trawlers was eye-catching. Thousands of people of different ages stood on both sides of the canal in the festive mood and witnessed the boating.
On this day, from noon onwards, one by one, the various colorful and colorful decorations started rowing. Singing and dancing to the tune of thikari, kashi till evening, the rhythmic sound of the hee hee hee hee rae boitha creates an impeccable atmosphere. Countless supporters and spectators gathered on both shores with the Mallas. The area became abuzz with the applause and cheers of the people standing on both sides of the canal.
Sushant Banik of Kaliganj Bazar said that about 200 years ago, the people of Beel area used to compete with each other by boat for recreation. That tradition is still going on. The people of the area enjoy pure bliss from boating.
Held on the occasion of Bishwakarma Puja at Kotalipara, this boat race has a tradition of 200 years. Kaliganj Babur canal of the upazila on Friday afternoon
Held on the occasion of Bishwakarma Puja at Kotalipara, this boat race has a tradition of 200 years. Kaliganj Babur canal of the upazila on Friday afternoonThe Prothom-alo
Manik Ojha of Kalabari village, who came to see the boat race, said, ‘The boat owners come here with boats just to enjoy the boat race. Relatives came to the house on the occasion of the boat. Good meals are arranged. Everyone enjoys the harmony. ‘
Chairman of Kalabari Union Parishad Michael Ojha said that boating in Kaliganj of Kotalipara Upazila is still colorful. In this region, on the occasion of Bishwakarma Puja, the season begins with boating. There is no organizing body for this boat race. The locals use boating to satisfy their hunger. For this reason, boating in Kotalipara still survives in glory. Every year Durga and Lakshmi Puja are held at different places of Kotalipara including Kaliganj.
