The sound of oars, traditional bells and cheering spectators filled the Sandhya River as eight large boats competed in Shikarpur, Uzirpur, Barishal. Alongside the race, performances of Barishal’s regional songs brought local musical traditions into the celebration.

Held for the second consecutive year under the initiative, the event brought together rowing teams, residents, local representatives and government officials.

Project Background and Purpose

The boat-racing initiative forms part of “Implementing Community-based Heritage Festivals in Eight Administrative Divisions of Bangladesh,” the project identified in AVAS’s progress report dated 23 November 2025.

The report describes the longstanding boat-racing tradition in Harta Union of Uzirpur, where races were held on the Kacha River, a branch of the Sandhya River, in connection with Lakshmi Puja. It records that the festival was not organised in 2024.

The documented purpose of the assistance was to help maintain the continuity of this traditional festival. Community participation, documentation of the practice and discussion of arrangements for its future continuation were central to AVAS’s work.

Following consultations with the administration and local stakeholders, the 2025 race was moved to the main Sandhya River between Shikarpur and Major M. A. Jalil Bridge. The report identifies navigability, the narrowness of the previous venue and organisational challenges among the reasons for the change.

The 2025 progress report records consultation with boat owners and boatmen about the history of the race, their participation and their livelihoods. Planning also involved the upazila administration, relevant organisations, journalists and local representatives.

Community members supported the arrangements through volunteering and other contributions. The report also documents photography, video recording and interviews with boatmen, boat owners and their families. These activities captured preparations, participation and experiences associated with the festival.

Community Involvement and Documentation

The 2025 progress report records consultation with boat owners and boatmen about the history of the race, their participation and their livelihoods. Planning also involved the upazila administration, relevant organisations, journalists and local representatives.

Community members supported the arrangements through volunteering and other contributions. The report also documents photography, video recording and interviews with boatmen, boat owners and their families. These activities captured preparations, participation and experiences associated with the festival.

The project’s sustainability discussions focused on encouraging local ownership and finding arrangements through which the community could continue organising the race.

Sharing the Tradition with Younger Generations

Among the spectators was Saleha Begum, who travelled from a neighbouring upazila with her four-year-old granddaughter. She recalled watching boat races during her childhood and explained that she had brought her granddaughter to experience the tradition.

Her account illustrated how the event enabled older and younger generations to share an experience of local culture.

Md. Ali Suja, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Uzirpur, who planned the event and oversaw its arrangements, described boat racing as an important part of rural culture. He highlighted the importance of introducing younger generations to traditional activities and engaging young people in cultural programmes and healthy competitions.

He also expressed an intention to pursue annual boat-racing celebrations.

Closing Ceremony and Prize Distribution

After the race, a discussion and prize-giving ceremony took place at the Ichladi end of Major M. A. Jalil Bridge.

Khalil Ahmed, Divisional Commissioner and Additional Secretary, chaired the ceremony. Sardar Sarfuddin Ahmed Santu attended as Chief Guest, and A. Z. M. Mostafizur Rahman, Superintendent of Police, attended as Special Guest.

AVAS officials, government officials, local representatives and political figures also attended. Prizes were distributed among the first-, second- and third-place teams, alongside the participating teams.

Photo Gallery

Local Leadership for Future Celebrations

Speaking about the initiative, Zohurul Hasan of AVAS explained that the organisation had worked with the Bangladesh National Museum to support the revival and continuation of the tradition.

He noted that local representatives, the administration and community leaders had witnessed people’s interest and enjoyment over the two years of the initiative.

He clarified that AVAS would no longer directly organise the event after 2026. Future celebrations would need to be initiated and led locally, with AVAS remaining available to stand alongside those efforts.

This emphasis on local responsibility follows the sustainability approach recorded in the 2025 report: involving the community and local administration in developing arrangements to continue the boat race beyond project assistance.