Kushtia, Sept. 18 -- The traditional boat race of rural Bengal returned to the Gorai River in Kushtia after nearly four years, drawing huge crowds and turning both banks of the river into a festive gathering on Friday.

The three-day boat race was organised by residents of Koya Union in Kumarkhali upazila, with festivities stretching from Ghorai Ghat to the Haripur Bridge area.

People of different ages began gathering along the riverbanks from noon to enjoy the event, with many arriving with their families and friends.

The competition formally began at 4pm. As the boats raced across the river, spectators cheered enthusiastically, clapping and chanting to encourage their favourite teams. The rhythmic strokes of the boatmen and the cheers...