By S.M. Osman Goni Sohag from Shyamnagar

In a unique initiative to preserve rural culture and traditional sports, a vibrant event featuring folk games and a prize distribution ceremony was held recently at the open field near the New Market in Kashimari, Shyamnagar upazila, Satkhira.

Organized by Sundarban Students’ Solidarity Team (SSST) and Shyamnagar Upazila Youth Volunteer Coordination Committee, supported by BARCIK, and implemented by the local youth organization Shanti Sangha, the event drew enthusiastic participation from locals as well as visiting city dwellers. The joyous celebration brought life back to the area during the Eid-ul-Adha holiday break.

Presided over by Shanti Sangha President and retired army officer Md. Asad Ullah, the prize-giving ceremony was graced by guests including UP Member of Ward 8 Md. Jamirul Alam Bablu, Ward 7 Member Md. Shahabuddin Sana, SSST’s Md. Akram Hossain, Shanti Sangha’s Organizational Secretary Md. Habibullah, Youth Committee’s Md. Asad Ullah, and BARCIK youth coordinator S.M. Osman Gani, among others.

The full-day program featured a variety of exciting traditional games: swimming, running, chess, blindfolded pot-breaking, balance races, long and high jumps, rooster fights, biscuit races, ha-du-du, “dress as you like,” ball tossing, balloon bursting, and needle-threading contests for women. Participation and crowd enthusiasm were remarkable across the board, especially for the nearly forgotten rural games that were revived with great excitement.

Joy and Nostalgia for All Generations

From elders to youth, men and women alike took part in the celebrations. Village elder Aziz Sana (65) said, “It has been so many years since I have seen scenes like this. We played these games in our childhood, but today’s kids have no idea what they are. It feels like reliving my youth.” Ward 8 UP member Md. Jamirul Alam Bablu stated, “Events like these are essential to preserving our cultural heritage. At a time when kids are glued to screens, playing freely in open fields is vital for their physical and mental development.”

Youth-Led Energy and Leadership

The local youth were the driving force behind the event. Asad Ullah, president of Shanti Sangha, said, “We’ve dreamed of organizing something like this for a long time. Our goal was to revive traditional games and introduce their importance to the new generation. The Eid holidays also brought city folks home, which made the event even more special.” Tamanna, a school student and SSST member, said, “We especially loved the women’s games like needle-threading and ‘dress as you like.’ Even our mothers and aunts took part enthusiastically. We’re really happy to be a part of it.”

City peole Were Impressed

Due to the Eid holidays and excellent organization, many urban guests also joined in. Md. Waliullah (38), visiting from Gazipur, Dhaka, said, “I never expected to witness such a lively festival in the village. It has been years since I saw rooster fights and ha-du-du! My kids enjoyed it a lot too, there is hardly any such entertainment in the city.”

Conclusion

Organizers hope that such initiatives will play a vital role in passing on the cultural heritage of rural Bengal to future generations. These events refresh village life and build a cultural bridge between rural and urban communities.