Traditional boat races held in Gopalganj

Separate traditional boat competitions on the occasion of Vishwakarma Puja of the Hindu community were held at four places in Kaliganj, Tungipara and Muksudpur upazilas on Tuesday.

Vishwakarma Puja, which is celebrated on 17 September every year, marks the birth anniversary of Hindu god Lord Vishwakarma, who is known as the 'architect of gods'.

Different groups of boatmen from Madaripur, Pirojpur, Narail and Barishal districts with more than hundred boats took part in the competition.

Several thousands of visitors from different districts witnessed the spectacular view when the crews of the boats dressed in colourful T-shirts begin the completion.

Kotalipara' Kalabari Union Chairman Michael Ojha said the boat competition has been celebrating here for last 200 years and still the locals are witnessing the tradition on the next day of Vishwakarma Puja.

Kotalipara upazila nirbahi officer SM Mahfuzur Rahman said, "The boat competition here is very colourful comparing to those of other districts."

Support from the local administration will be contained in the future, he added.