Hazaritori (boat) of Matin Hazari of Balla village in Harirampur upazila won the race this year which was organised by Balirtek Bazar Bonik Samity and Bhararia Union Parishad.
Witnesses said people of different age groups started to throng the banks of Kaliganga River to enjoy the rural traditional game since Friday morning which, officially started at 4 pm.
A total of 36 boats from five districts - Sirajganj of Manikganj, Narayanganj, Tabgail, Narsingdi and Pabna participated in the competition.
Around 20,000 people gathered to enjoy the game where different boats including Kosha, Khella, Ghasi, Chipa and Mayurponkhi competed on a two kilometer stretch of the river. Besides, people also enjoy it driving on trawlers and speed boats.
The participants of the race said they are interested to entertain people by performing in the contest every year.
The organisers said their aim is to hold on to the rural tradition and provide enjoyment to the people. With proper sponsorships the race will become more lucrative.
Electronic household goods like fridge and tv were awarded among the winners after the race.
Nouka Baich, or boat races, are held during the rainy seasons of the Bengali calendar which is common in rural areas. It is a very old tradition of the Bengali folk culture going back centuries.