Thousands gather for traditional boat race in Barpeta

Guwahati: Thousands flocked to the banks of the Bhelengi River in Mandia to watch a traditional boat race. The annual event took place within the Baghbar constituency of the Barpeta district. Organised by the Mandia Yuva Samaj, the competition featured 10 small and large boats sourced from across the region. The races ran through the day in a calm, disciplined fashion.

The boat named Al Amin, owned by Kader Ali of Bordoloni, took the top spot. It earned a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 81,000. Aynal Haque of Mandia saw his boat, the Mandia Express, finish in second place. That crew walked away with a trophy and Rs 51,000. Crowds from the Mandia and Chenga area cheered the racers on as they pushed for speed.

The organising committee aims to expand the event in future years. The committee stated, "The organising committee said it hopes to organise the competition on a larger scale in the coming years with continued support and cooperation from the local community." This high turnout proves that rural residents still care about these historic sporting and cultural traditions.