Jorabat, Sept 13: The swollen Kolong River came alive with the splash of oars and cheers on Saturday as eight traditional boats raced for nearly 3 km at Maloibari in Dimoria, drawing thousands of spectators along both banks. The State-level traditional boat race was organised by the Maloibari Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva Namghar to mark the death anniversary of Srimanta Sankardeva.

Teams from Darrang, Mangaldai, Mayong, Morigaon, Jhargaon and other parts of Assam took part in the competition. The race was also part of the namghar’s diamond jubilee celebrations, with the boats battling through the swollen waters of the Kolong in an intense contest.

The rhythmic strokes of the oars, accompanied by the beats of dhol and taal and cheers from the riverbanks, added to the festive atmosphere. The boat led by Tusta Mohan Biswas of Morigaon emerged champion, while another Morigaon team led by Pradip Mondal finished runner-up.

The winners received Rs 30,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up were awarded Rs 20,000 and a trophy. The other participating teams were also given cash incentives to encourage their continued participation in the traditional sport.

Dimoria MLA Dr Tapan Das and noted bodybuilder Mahadev Deka attended the event as invited guests. The organisers said the event was aimed at reviving a traditional indigenous water sport that is gradually losing ground and reconnecting the younger generation with Assam’s traditional games and folk culture.

The boat race added a sporting dimension to the religious and cultural observance, placing a traditional sport rooted in Assam’s riverine life at the centre of the community celebration. The sizeable turnout along the riverbanks also reflected the continuing public appeal of traditional boat racing and its place in Assam’s cultural and sporting heritage.