GUWAHATI: Bajali’s annual boat race reportedly took place at the Pahumara river in Medikuchi on Sunday, October 13, on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami.
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Celebrating a 137-year-old tradition, the event reportedly gathered about 20,000 people along the riverbanks. Some of them had even gathered on a nearby concrete bridge to witness the colourful spectacle.
The race, organised by No. 2 Medhikuchi Milan Sangha, started from Member Ghat, and featured boats up to 50 feet long, each manned by 50 rowers, all dressed in vibrant attire. The rowers added a lyrical element to the event by adding rhythmic songs as they powered their boats down the river.
This year, 17 teams competed in the race, including Bajali Express, Na Kuchi, Moishal Bandhu, and Sonar Moina Pakhi. After multiple rounds of intense racing, Maishal Bandhu reportedly claimed the first prize, and Shahnaz secured second place.
The boat-race tradition has reportedly been organised by the local villagers systematically for the past 50 years.