Assam: Traditional boat race draws massive crowd in Rupohihat’s Roumari and Hatipara

A traditional boat race began at the Sonai River in Roumari and Hatipara areas of Rupohihat in Nagaon district on September 12 as part of a two-day programme, drawing participants from several surrounding areas and attracting a large gathering of spectators.

The traditional boat race, a popular community sporting event, is being organised at Hatipara on September 12 and 13, 2026, after a gap of several years. The previous edition was held in 2014.

Several teams from different areas are participating in the competition, while a large number of people have gathered along the riverbanks to witness the races. Organisers said the event has drawn a crowd running into lakhs.

The final round of the boat race is scheduled to be held on Sunday, September 13.
According to the organisers, Assam Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika, Keshab Mahanta, MLA Rupak Sarma, Jitu Goswami and Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election BJP candidate Debashish Sharma are expected to attend the final event, along with several other political leaders and party workers.

The event is being seen as an effort to revive and promote the traditional boat-racing culture of the region while bringing together communities from different parts of Nagaon.