United News of Bangladesh

Thousands of people of all ages have gathered along both banks of the Boruria canal in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia to watch an unusual rural spectacle – a banana-tree raft race. Unlike conventional boat races, the competitors took to the water on rafts made of banana trees, turning the canal into a colourful and lively arena. A total of 16 teams took part in the two-day competition, with four participants on each raft, beginning on Friday and concluding with the final on Saturday. Organised by the Choraikol Hoytapara Youth Community in Nandolalpur union, it aimed to revive lost rural traditions and offer healthy entertainment to local communities.