PATHSALA: Around 20,000 people gathered on the bank of Pahumara river on Tuesday evening to witness the traditional boat race at Medhikuchi of Bajali district. At a time when some of traditional events are on the verge of extinction, people of No 2 Medhikuchi village undertook this praiseworthy effort.
In fact, they have been holding the event of boat race competition for more than 150 years now, claimed locals of the area. Today, the bank of Pahumara river in Bajali wore a festive look with the decorative kohuwa – harbinger of autumn on both banks of the river and thousands of jubilant audience thronged to enjoy a rare event of traditional boat race on the day of Bijoya Dashami.
Dipul Patgiri, a local resident informed that such boat races have been a tradition of the locality for more than 150 years. But the villagers have been organizing it in a systematic manner since the last five decades. This year too, on Bijoya Dashami, it was no different as around 20,000 people gathered on the banks of Pahumara river to witness the annual event.
At least 600 meters of distance was fixed for the competition. Dipul Patgiri informed that such events strengthen the unity and integrity in the society without considering any caste and creed. The race started from a specific point of Pahumara river near No 2 Medhikuchi, about five kms from Pathsala, which is popularly known as the ‘Member Ghat.’
The boats, which are at least 50-foot-long and in resplendent colours were powered by at least 50 rowers on the mildly flowing waters of the Pahumara river. With the kohuwa on both the sides of the river playing the perfect backdrop of autumn, the cheering crowd put an extra dimension to the competition.
The rowers with colourful attires also provided a lyrical touch to the competition as they sang rhythmic songs playing ‘taal’ while navigating their boats with ores. The rowers took part with full enthusiasm.
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