137-Year-Old Traditional Boat Race Thrills Thousands of People

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.

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