Like every year, the 115th edition of Chattogram's traditional Jobbarer Boli Khela and Boishakhi fair is going to be held on April 24, 25 and 26 at Laldighi Moidan in Chattogram.
According to the Bengali calendar, the fair will be organized on the open stage of the Laldighi field under the Kotwali police station of Chattogram on 12th Boishakh.
The best wrestlers from all over the country will participate in Jobbarer Boli Khela. Meanwhile, all kinds of preparations of the fair committee are being completed for the upcoming fair.
Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury unveiled trophies and jerseys on the occasion of the historic Jobbarer Boli Khela and Boisakhi fair at the auditorium of CCC Public Library at Laldighi on Friday afternoon. The leaders of the fair committee were present.
The CCC mayor was the chief guest at the programme.
He said, “The fair was closed during coronavirus pandemic. I was very saddened to hear that. There will be fairs and games. Chattogram's emotions are involved in it. If everyone comes forward, the tradition will not be lost. I request you to teach Boli Khela to the beginners. I will take responsibility for whatever it takes.”
Syed Mohammad Tanseer, Managing Director of NHT Holdings, the sponsor of Boli Khela this year, said Chattogram's culture is Boli Khela. Since childhood, I used to eagerly wait for the game, the fair. The lost heritage of Chattogram should be highlighted. For this purpose, we are sponsoring volleyball. It is known that the traditional fair of Chattogram has historical significance.
Abdul Jobbar Sawdagar, a businessman of Bakshir Hat, started this game in 1909 in an attempt to motivate the youths in the anti-British movement and to boost the morale of the youths. In the course of time, that game became Abdul Jobbarer Boli (sacrifice) Game. There is a huge popularity of this game and fair.
The Boisakhi fair is held for three days from the day before the game to the next day, covering several kilometers of the Laldighi field and the area adjacent to the field.
CCC No. 32 Andarkilla Ward Councilor and Abdul Jobbarer Memorial Wrestling Competition and Boishakhi fair Organizing Committee President Zahur Lal Hazari said, “This fair started in 1909, it never stopped. However, the 111th and 112th editions of the fair were unanimously cancelled due to coronavirus to avoid health risks and ensure safety. This year Chattogram's traditional Jobbarer Boli Khela will start at the traditional Laldighi Moidan.”
“Chattogram once known as Boli's kingdom, continues to play this game even today. Here wrestling is called Boli in the local language. The participants of this game are called 'Boli'.
This year a record number of people will participate,” he added.
NHT Sports Complex, a subsidiary of Chattogram's NHT Holdings Limited, has come forward under the sponsorship of Jobbarer Boli Khela. Various small traders have started coming to Chattogram based on Jobbarer Boli Khela.