Chittagong Bureau :
The century-old traditional Boishakhi Fair-cum-Abdul Jabbar Wrestling Competition, popularly known as Abdul Jabbarer Boli Kela, kicks off at the historic Laldighi Maidan in the city today.
However, the three-day 107th Boishakhi Mela, centering the wrestling competition, begins yesterday at Laldighi Maidan and in its adjoining areas, organizing committee source said.
This was disclosed by Mela organizing committee chairman Johur Lal Hazari in a press conference held at Chittagong Press club . The historic wrestling competition and Bangla New Year fair is held every year with much enthusiasm, which is joined by thousands of people from different parts of the country, including greater Chittagong. The competition, joined by the country’s traditional wrestlers, who are popular in rural areas as “boli” or “kustigir”, and Boishakhi Mela, with an array of locally-made beautiful handicrafts and indigenous household goods, is held on an area of about one kilometer alongside Laldighi Maidan. Boli Khela was introduced in 1909 by Abdul Jabbar Saodagar. His desire was to cultivate a sport that would prepare the youth to fight against the British rule which is a self-defense without weapons.
Broad appeal for the sport began at the end of the First World War but subsided at the end of the Second World War Boli Khela is a form of combat sport involving grappling type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds.
It is one of the oldest traditions of Chittagong. The sporting event, held in the first month of Bangla year, always takes place at Laldighi Maidan.
City Mayor A J M Nasir Uddin will attend the function as the chief guest while Commissioner of Chittagong Metropolitan Police Iqbal Bahar will inaugurate it.
The century-old traditional Boishakhi Fair-cum-Abdul Jabbar Wrestling Competition, popularly known as Abdul Jabbarer Boli Kela, kicks off at the historic Laldighi Maidan in the city today.
However, the three-day 107th Boishakhi Mela, centering the wrestling competition, begins yesterday at Laldighi Maidan and in its adjoining areas, organizing committee source said.
This was disclosed by Mela organizing committee chairman Johur Lal Hazari in a press conference held at Chittagong Press club . The historic wrestling competition and Bangla New Year fair is held every year with much enthusiasm, which is joined by thousands of people from different parts of the country, including greater Chittagong. The competition, joined by the country’s traditional wrestlers, who are popular in rural areas as “boli” or “kustigir”, and Boishakhi Mela, with an array of locally-made beautiful handicrafts and indigenous household goods, is held on an area of about one kilometer alongside Laldighi Maidan. Boli Khela was introduced in 1909 by Abdul Jabbar Saodagar. His desire was to cultivate a sport that would prepare the youth to fight against the British rule which is a self-defense without weapons.
Broad appeal for the sport began at the end of the First World War but subsided at the end of the Second World War Boli Khela is a form of combat sport involving grappling type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds.
It is one of the oldest traditions of Chittagong. The sporting event, held in the first month of Bangla year, always takes place at Laldighi Maidan.
City Mayor A J M Nasir Uddin will attend the function as the chief guest while Commissioner of Chittagong Metropolitan Police Iqbal Bahar will inaugurate it.
