NoukaBaich

Riverine Bangladesh's geography is being dominated by the world's largest delta, which gives the country the honor to call itself mother to 230 rivers in its terrain. As a result, boat race, commonly known as noukabaich, is a popular sport in Bangladesh. It is an integral form of entertainment in rural areas where hundreds of spectators gather around the riverside when boatmen race with their long, narrow boats. It is also a demonstration of strong boatmen who require to implement technique and prowess to give their boats the maximum speed and forward direction.

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NoukaBaich is an old custom of the folk Bengali culture going back centuries. Its reputation in urban areas increased in the 18th century when the various Nawab families throughout Mughal Bengal were known for organizing races to keep their subjects happy and entertained. NoukaBaich was also well-known during the British rule in the Sylhet region after the rainy season when the haors were swelled with water. The long canoes referred to as khelnaos (meaning playing boats) and cymbals to accompany the singing were popular.   Different types of boats are used in distinct regions of Bangladesh. Straight-back narrow timber boats known as koshas are used in Mymensingh, Pabna, and Dhaka. The latter also uses goyna boats in the competitions.

The use of sarangi boats is a culture of Sylhet, Comilla, and Brahmanbaria. Racing with Sampans is common in Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Feni, and Noakhali.   In Bangladesh, boat races are customarily held during Bhadra and Ashwin, two Bengali months of Sarat. The races are held during the autumn seasons of the Bengali calendar, which corresponds from June to October in the Gregorian calendar. While competing, the boatmen sing in chorus seeking God's blessings. The boats are named to grab attention, blazoning their speed or design, for example, JhorerPakhi (bird of the storm), Saimun, Tufan Mail, Pankhiraj (the king of birds), MayurPakhi, Dipraj, Agradoot, and Sonar Tori (golden boat).   Before boarding their boats, boatmen refine themselves and wear matching vests and tie up pairing scarves around their heads. Those who row while standing take their position at the back. Each team had a leader who stood in the middle of the boat and inspired the participants.

The drummers and the singers provide tempo and beat to the boatmen.   To facilitate the beloved competition, the Bangladesh Rowing Federation gives the authority to all rowing activities in Bangladesh and has organized over 40 National Rowing Championships.

Written by,

Boby Sarker

Information Collected