Boat race returns to Brahmanbaria's Titas River after two years
Nine boats competed in the race from Shimrailkandi to Medda as tens of thousands gathered along the riverbanks.
After a two-year gap, a traditional boat race was held on the Titas River in Brahmanbaria today (12 September), drawing tens of thousands of spectators to both banks of the river.
The district administration organised the race, which featured nine boats from different parts of the district. Shapla Boys Club from Khomatapur village in Sadar upazila won first place.
The race began at 3:30pm, but crowds started gathering along the riverbanks before noon to watch the competition. The race route stretched from Shimrailkandi to the Medda area of the town. According to local sources, the last boat race on the Titas was held in 2023. The event is regarded as a major cultural celebration in Brahmanbaria and attracts visitors from neighbouring districts.
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Roni Alam, an Italian expatriate who travelled from Dhaka to attend the event, said the race remained one of the district's most cherished traditions.
"Boat racing is our ultimate festival. I was in Dhaka and travelled all the way to Brahmanbaria this morning despite the hardship just to see it," he said.
"Seeing the excitement on both sides of the river made all the fatigue disappear," he added.
Another visitor, Al Amin Shaheen, said the race had created a festive atmosphere across the district.
"The entire district feels festive today. We want this competition to take place every year," he said.
Brahmanbaria Deputy Commissioner Md Abu Sayeed said the boat race was an integral part of the district's cultural tradition and assured that next year's event would be organised on a larger scale.
Brahmanbaria-3 MP Khaled Hossain Mahbub said the event also demonstrated the district's cultural heritage.
"Recently, we have seen negative campaigns on social media regarding Brahmanbaria and its culture. This boat race proves that Brahmanbaria is a cultural capital. We hope to host it regularly every year," he said.
Distinguished guests later handed prizes to the winning teams.
