137-Year-Old Traditional Boat Race Thrills Thousands of People
First Published: 13th October, 2024 21:16 IST
The race, which began from Member Ghat, about five kilometers from Pathsala, drew crowds who cheered enthusiastically from both sides of the river.
Around 50,000 people gathered on the banks of the Pahumara River in Bajali district, Assam, on Tuesday evening to witness the 137-year-old traditional boat race at Medhikuchi village. The event, held on the occasion of Bijoya Dashami, showcased a rich cultural tradition that continues to thrive despite the fading of many such customs elsewhere.
The village of No. 2 Medhikuchi has been hosting this boat race for more than 137 years, according to local residents, although it has been organized in a more formal and systematic way for the last five decades.
This year, the festive atmosphere was palpable as the riverbanks were adorned with kohuwa (harbinger of autumn), while the boats, at least 50 feet long and brightly colored, raced along a 600-meter stretch of the Pahumara. Each boat was powered by about 50 rowers, who sang rhythmic songs and played the taal as they navigated the calm waters with synchronized oars.
Dipul Patgiri, a local resident, shared that these boat races have always been a symbol of unity, transcending caste and creed, and fostering a sense of togetherness within the community.
The race, which began from a well-known spot called Member Ghat, about five kilometers from Pathsala, drew crowds who cheered enthusiastically from both sides of the river, adding to the excitement of the competition.
Also Watch:
COMMENTS

TOPMOST STORY NOW

Live Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma Demands CUET Exam Centres in State, Seeks Union Education Minister’s Intervention
18th March 2025
Live Israel airstrikes southern Syria, killing 2 and injuring 19
18th March 2025
Live Over 33,000 Myanmar Refugees Taking Shelter in Mizoram: State Home Minister K Sapdanga
17th March 2025
Live GST Superintendent Found Dead Under Mysterious Circumstances in North Tripura
17th March 2025WE RECOMMEND

2 IPL 2025 Matches in Guwahati: Check Ticket Prices and Cheapest Offers for Students Here
IPL 2025: Students can purchase tickets for the RR vs KKR match on March 26 at a special discounted price of Rs 500
17th March 2025
Guwahati’s 28-Second Motorcycle Heists: Assam Police Bust Interstate Vehicle Theft Racket, 11 Arrested
Guwahati's 28-Second Motorcycle Heists: Police fear that these stolen vehicles were being taken to Myanmar.
17th March 2025
Meet Assam’s Siddharth Baruah Who is Behind IIT Madras’ Hyperloop Rail Project That Will Cover 300 Kms In Just 30 Mins
Siddharth Baruah is part of the Avishkar Hyperloop team at IIT Madras, which consists of 76 students working on developing the technology
17th March 2025
Centre to Implement 100% of BTR Peace Accord Conditions Within Two Years: Amit Shah
Shah announced that a road in Delhi will be named after Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma in recognition of his contributions to the Bodo community.
16th March 2025
“No Mercy for Drug Cartels”: Amit Shah Hails NCB for Rs 88 Crore Meth Seizure, Arrest of 4 International Drug Traffickers in Guwahati and Imphal
Amit Shah praised the NCB’s swift action, calling it a testament to the government’s strong investigative framework.
16th March 2025