Mahbub Piyal, Faridpur

A 200-year-old traditional boat race (Nouka Baich) was held on the waters of the Kumar River in Bhanga, Faridpur, on Friday afternoon. 

 The annual competition is organized every year on this day to mark the occasion of Vishwakarma Puja, a key religious festival for the Hindu community.

Cultural Affairs State Minister Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khaiyam attended the event as the chief guest. Shahidul Islam Babul, Member of Parliament for the Faridpur-4 constituency and principal organizer of the boat race, was present as a special guest alongside Parjatan Corporation Chairman Shamimuzzaman, Deputy Commissioner Mazharul Islam, Superintendent of Police Shahariar Mohammad Miyaji, and Senior Joint Convenor of District BNP and Chairman of Faridpur Zila Parishad Afzal Hossain Khan Palash.

Chaired by Bhanga Upazila BNP President Khandakar Iqbal Hossain Salim, the ceremony was attended by UNO Mahmudul Hasan, Upazila BNP General Secretary Aiyub Molla, Organizational Secretaries Taimur Long and Bipul Munshi, Pourashava BNP Convenor Moniruzzaman Munshi, and OC  of Bhanga Police Station Mizanur Rahman, among other local dignitaries.

A total of 26 decorated bachari boats took part in the high-spirited competition. Following the race, the guests handed over major prizes, including refrigerators and televisions, to the winners.

To celebrate the traditional event, hundreds of local vendors set up stalls along both banks of the Kumar River, displaying a wide range of goods, crafts, and food items. Several hundred law enforcement personnel were deployed across the area to maintain order and ensure safety throughout the festivities.