49 years of tradition: Nouka Baich in Khulna unites community during Durga Puja

The tranquil Kurulia River in Khulna's Paikgacha Upazila springs to life every year on the auspicious Navami Tithi of Sharadiya Durga Puja, hosting a traditional boat race (Nouka Baich) and a fair (mela) which  have become a powerful symbol of communal harmony.

This year, the nearly half-century-old tradition drew an estimated 30,000 ecstatic spectators on afternoon of 1 October in Ammur Kata village of Soladana Union. Both banks of the river were crowded with cheering men, women, and children, whose collective cheers and the rhythmic beat of drums and dhak created a festive atmosphere.

This year, the nearly half-century-old tradition drew an estimated 30,000 ecstatic spectators. Photo: TBS

Organisers emphasised that the Nouka Baich is intentionally held to transcend religious boundaries and serve as a meeting point for people of all faiths, including Muslims, Hindus, and Christians.

Samiran Kumar Mondal, president of the Soladana Union Durga Puja Udjapan Committee, highlighted the event's unique significance.

"We don't just celebrate the Puja; we want to unite people of all faiths around this festival. This competition allows even those who may not visit the puja mandap to participate in our festival. This is how Soladana has been setting a unique example of communal harmony for 49 years."

The committee's Adviser SM Enamul Haque added, "For almost half a century, boat racing has been a joyful event in our area on the Navami. It is not only for entertainment, but also a symbol of brotherhood and unity of the people. Its main goal is to introduce the new generation to our culture."

I've been watching the boat race since childhood. Even now, when the boats take to the river to the sound of drums, it feels like the old days have returned

Khokon Mallick, a local resident

The tradition began humbly in 1976 when a few culture-minded villagers first organised the boat race with only two boats. Over time, as community interest swelled, it evolved into Soladana's largest annual festival. An impromptu fair (mela) also sets up shop along the riverbanks, adding to the festive atmosphere with local food, toys, and handicrafts.

Three boats participated in this year's competition. Spectators lined the riverbanks, blowing whistles and shouting encouragement, while the participating boatmen chanted songs in unison, which is a major attraction of the event.

The tradition began humbly in 1976 when a few culture-minded villagers first organised the boat race with only two boats. Photo: TBS

For the participants, the race is a point of pride as boatman Abdul Jalil shared, "We wait all year for this day. The greatest joy is not just winning or losing, but the opportunity to showcase our strength and skill in front of the villagers."

Local resident Khokon Mallick reminisced, "I've been watching the boat race since childhood. Even now, when the boats take to the river to the sound of drums, it feels like the old days have returned."