A traditional boat race in Khejurtala, Char Bishnupur Union of Sadarpur upazila in Faridpur, was held ceremonially with only one large boat on Wednesday afternoon because the Chaitar canal lacked sufficient water. The annual event has been held for about 200 years on 1 Bhadra, but organisers said a competitive race could not be arranged this year.

Residents said the race normally creates a festive atmosphere around Khejurtala canal, with competitors bringing different boats from distant places and thousands gathering along both banks. Despite the absence of a competition, people of all ages crowded an approximately 500-metre stretch of the venue. Some spectators also watched while floating on boats in the canal.

Hundreds of temporary stalls selling toys, food, sweets, spicy snacks, clothing and other goods were set up on both banks. Organising committee president and union parishad chairman Md Moazzem Hossain said the one-boat event was held to preserve the tradition. He said organisers would try to arrange a larger race if the canal has adequate water in the future. Locals called for steps to maintain the canal’s navigability.