Govt working tirelessly to promote rural sports, folk culture: Nitai Roy Chowdhury
Magura Correspondent
Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury stated that traditional stick fighting (lathi khela) forms an integral component of Bengal's thousand-year-old cultural heritage and remains deeply intertwined with the rural identity of the country.
The minister made the remarks on Friday afternoon while addressing as the chief guest at the fair and folk song (bichar gaan) event organized on the occasion of the 106th traditional lathi khela at the Dumursia DC Secondary School grounds in Mohammadpur Upazila of Magura.
Nitai Roy Chowdhury highlighted that under the direction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs is working nationwide to promote rural folk culture by expanding events such as Baul songs, folk music, traditional theatre (jatra), circus performances, and indigenous cultural programme.
The minister noted that traditional riverine events like boat racing (nowka baich) alongside rural games such as lathi khela serve as crucial expressions of national history, heritage, social harmony, and collective celebration.
Magura District Commissioner Mutakabbir Ahmed and Mohammadpur UNO Bedabati Mistry were present at the event as special guests.
Presided over by Dumursia Bazar Merchant Association President Md. Abul Hossain, the event drew thousands of sports enthusiasts and local residents, creating a festive atmosphere across the upazila.
