Boating

The presence of rivers is strong in the history, heritage, literature, culture and sports of Bangladesh and boating is a rich crop of the locality and culture of this country. Ports and markets were established in different places centered on the shipping industry, skilled and experienced sailors and shipping artists were formed. Different features of the boat can be seen in different districts of Bangladesh. In Dhaka, Gafargaon, Mymensingh, etc., boats are usually used for boating. Its structure is slender and it is 150 feet to 200 feet in length. Its front and back are absolutely straight. It is made of native shawl, shil kadai, chambul etc. In Tangail and Pabna districts, narrow and long speed boats are used for boating. Its structure is also generally narrow and it is 150 feet to 200 feet in length, but the rear side is about 5 feet higher than the river water and the front side is aligned with the water. The front and back of the head are decorated with a variety of artwork. It is also made of wood like shawl, roar, shil kadai, chambul etc. Sarengi boats are used for boating in Comilla, Brahmanbaria, Ajmiriganj and Sylhet areas. It is usually 150 feet to 200 feet long and slightly wider (5 to 6 feet) wide. The front and back of these are flat like a duck's mouth and 2-3 feet above the water. Sampan is most used for boating in Chittagong, Noakhali district and Sandwip. Its structure is like a ship. Jewelry boats are used in Dhaka and Faridpur. They are about 100 to 125 feet long and 8-9 feet wide in the middle. The front of the jewelry boat is 3 feet above the water and the rear is 4-5 feet high.

Nawabs and kings of the Muslim era used to organize boat rides. Many nawabs or kings started the boat race by water or naval forces. Naval power was one of the administrative means in the lower reaches of East Bengal. The Twelve Bhuiyans of Bengal fought valiantly against the Mughals. Naval power has also been used to suppress the Mugh and Harmad pirates. They had long 'rod' boats in their fleet. In the present era, there is no such boat-centric naval base or navy, but the competitive joy of naval power still exists in the national life of Bangladesh through boat racing.

Boating competitions are held at the international level. Boating in different countries of the world is known by different names. Dragon Boat Race, Swan Boat Race, Rowing Boat Race, Kenyan and Kayak Boat Race are some of the international competitions held in different countries.

Boating in Bangladesh is usually held in the month of Bhadra-Ashwin. Boat racers sing in unison and the lyrics of these songs often appeal to Allah or God and nature to gather courage. Depending on the speed of the boat, many people give it a beautiful name, such as Storm Bird, Pankhiraj, Simon, Tufan Mel, Mayurpankhi, Agradut, Deepraj, Sonar Tari etc.

Before boarding the boat, everyone was cleansed, tied a handkerchief of the same color on their head and put on a vest. Standing oarsmen are in the back, in the middle of the boat guide. Players and singers with drums and claps sit in the boat and encourage the boatmen.

The Bangladesh Rowing Federation was formed in 1984 to organize and develop boating in Bangladesh. This federation has built a bridge between traditional boat boating and rowing. This federation is a member of various international rowing federations. In order to encourage domestic boating, a grand national boat race is organized every year, and in 1990 an international boat race was held in Bangladesh.