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The Buriganga River in Old Dhaka came alive yesterday with the return of a traditional boat race, an event that drew thousands of spectators and revived a cherished riverine tradition after years of absence. The spectacle was organized as part of the Dhaka South City Corporation's (DSCC) month-long "Hridoye Dhaka 416" festival, which commemorates 416 years of Dhaka's existence.

Families and groups of friends flocked to the riverbanks from across the city, with many also taking to smaller boats mid-river to get a closer view of the competition. Crowds began gathering from noon, transforming the riverfront into a bustling scene by the time the race commenced at 4:30 PM. Six teams from various parts of the country participated, racing from Kholamora Ghat to Wise Ghat.

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It feels wonderful to see such an arrangement on the river again after so many years. I am happy to bring my family and introduce my children to this age-old tradition.

Beyond the sporting excitement, the event served as a powerful reminder of Dhaka's historical river-centric culture. Spectators like Rojob Ali, who recalled similar races from his childhood, expressed joy at seeing the tradition revived. "It feels wonderful to see such an arrangement on the river again after so many years. I am happy to bring my family and introduce my children to this age-old tradition," he said.

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It feels great to see such a large turnout. If such events are held regularly around the Buriganga, the people of Dhaka will be able to connect more closely with the river.

Sofiq Hossain and Imran Nazir, other attendees, highlighted the significant turnout as evidence of the public's enduring connection to the city's rivers and heritage. They emphasized the importance of such cultural events in busy urban life, noting that they help reconnect residents with Old Dhaka's past. The "Hridoye Dhaka 416" festival aims to foster this connection by reintroducing traditional events into public life and reminding people of the cultural traditions that have shaped the capital.

The winning team, led by Dhaka-7 lawmaker Hamidur Rahman Hamid, was honored at a prize-giving ceremony held aboard the historic steamer PS Mahmud at Swarighat.

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Such arrangements are very much needed in the busy life of Dhaka. Today, it feels as though a part of Old Dhaka's river-centric culture has returned.