Assam: 150-year-old Traditional boat race held in Bajali

The bank of Pahumara river here in Bajali subdivision of Barpeta district wore a festive look today with the decorative kahua – harbinger of autumn on both banks of the river. Around 10,000 people gathered on the bank of river Pahumara on Tuesday evening to witness the traditional boat race at Medhikuchi of Bajali sub-division of Barpeta district in Assam.

At a time when some of traditional events are on the verge of extinction, people of Medhikuchi village undertook this praiseworthy effort.

In fact, they have been holding the event of boat race competition for more than 150 years now.

On Tuesday, the bank of Pahumara River in Bajali sub-division of Barpeta district wore a festive look with the decorative kahua – harbinger of autumn on both banks of the river and thousands of jubilant audience thronged to enjoy a rare event of traditional boat race on the day of Bijoya Dashami.

Local people informed that such boat races have been a tradition of the locality for more than 150 years.

But the villagers have been organizing it in a systematic manner since the last five decades.

This year too, on the Bijoya Dashami day, it was no different as around 10,000 people gathered on the banks of Pahumara River to witness the annual event.

At least 600 meters of distance was fixed for the competition.

The race started from a specific point of Pahumara river near No 2 Medhikuchi, about five kms from Pathsala, which is popularly known as the ‘Member Ghat.’

With the kohuwa on both the sides of the river playing the perfect backdrop of autumn, the cheering crowd put an extra dimension to the competition.

The rowers with colourful attire also provided a lyrical touch to the competition as they sang rhythmic songs playing ‘taal’ while navigating their boats with ores. The rowers took part with full enthusiasm.

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