A traditional boat race locally known as ‘Nouka Baich’ was held in the Ghagot river at Kisamatbalua area adjacent to Bheramara Rail Bridge under Kholahati union of Sadar upazila in the district on Saturday amid much enthusiasm, reports BSS.
The inhabitants of Chalkmamrozpur and Kisamatbalua of the union arranged the Nouka Baich, said Quazi Ibrahim Khalil Ulfat, former chairman of Kholahati union parishad.
The race started at 10 am and ended in the afternoon around 4.00 pm. A total of 25 teams of the district and Dewanganj upazila of Jamalpur district participated in the boat race competition.
Each team had a leader who stood at the middle of the boat and inspired the participants. They were beating of drums and music. Viewers applauded enjoy when the uniformed boatmen were participating in the race.
Thousands of people including considerable numbers of women from Gaibandha town enjoyed the traditional race, shouting in joy and standing on both sides of the river, with great excitement and festive mood.
Later, a prize distribution ceremony was held on the bank of the river in the area with president of Nouka Baich Arrangement Committee and former union parishad member Foyzur Rahman in the chair.
Motor cycle, refrigerator, LED TV and smart phone set were given to the winners who stood first, second, third and fourth places respectively.
Earlier, deputy commissioner Abdul Matin formally inaugurated the boat race in the morning as the chief guest and Mayor of Gaibandha Municipality and general secretary of ZilaKrira Sangstha Advocate Shah Masud Zahangir Kabir Milon were present at the event as the special guests. A large number of people were present on the occasion.
