Sampan festival ends with call to protect Karnaphuli River, preserve Ctg heritage
Thousands of people participated in the festival, organised by the Chattogram History and Culture Research Centre, from 8 to 10 May along both banks of the Karnaphuli River.
A three-day "Sampan Khela and Chattgaiya Sangskritik Mela 1433" concluded in Chattogram today (10 May) with renewed calls to protect the Karnaphuli River, preserve the city's traditional sampan culture and introduce Chattogram's heritage to younger generations.
Thousands of people participated in the festival, organised by the Chattogram History and Culture Research Centre, from 8 to 10 May along both banks of the Karnaphuli River.
The opening day's programme, titled "Binisutar Mala," was held at Abhay Mitra Ghat. Organisers also conducted awareness activities along the river route from Sadarghat to Chandraghona using a floating stage.
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The main attraction on the second day was a colourful sampan procession on the Karnaphuli River, featuring participation from different sampan boatmen welfare associations. Large crowds gathered along both sides of the river to witness the procession.
On the final day, events were held at Char Patharghata and the CDA Field. A traditional sampan race from Abhay Mitra Ghat to Bridge Ghat on the Karnaphuli saw participation from 11 boat teams.
Organisers said the event was not only a cultural celebration but also a social movement aimed at protecting the Karnaphuli River from encroachment, pollution and plastic waste.
They said the annual fair is organised to revive river-based traditions and sustain Chattogram's historic sampan culture.
Aliur Rahman, chairman of the Chattogram History and Culture Research Centre, said, "Karnaphuli is not just a river, it is part of Chattogram's existence."
"To save the river, strict measures must be taken to remove illegal encroachments, control toxic industrial waste and stop plastic pollution," he added.
Meanwhile, the CDA Field remained crowded throughout the day with folk music, Chattgaiya songs, cultural performances and a local food fair.
Environmental experts at the event warned that Chattogram's history, culture and river-based heritage could gradually disappear if the Karnaphuli River is not protected.
They said the annual festival aims to raise public awareness about preserving the river and the traditions linked to it.
