CULTURAL HERITAGE

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JABBARER BOLI KHELA

WRESTLING COMPETITION

Boli Khela was introduced in the last 19th century by Kader Boxo. He was a landlord of Madarsha Union in Chittagong district. Every year Bengali first month he collected dues from his renter. Then he arranged a boli khela(wrestling) to give interest there. It was started in 1879.

Early of 20th century Abdul Jabbar Saodagor, a rich merchant of Chittagong, arrange a boli khela. His desire was to cultivate a sport that would prepare the youth to fight against British rule which is a self-defense without weapons. It was started in 1907. Broad appeal for the sport began at the end of the First World War but subsided at the end of the Second World War. A large number of spectators gather to watch the traditional wrestling competition every year. The competition gained popularity over the years, particularly among the locals.

The historic and century-old traditional popularly know as 'Jabberer Boli Khela' is passed its 111 years this year.This century-old historic wrestling competition and three day long Boishakhi Mela (Folk Festival) is held every year, in the port city ‘Chattogram’, with much enthusiasm and cultural zeal.