Kushtia: A traditional stick-fighting competition called “Lathi Khela” has been taking place for three days in the Kaburhat area of the Bot-tail Union in Kushtia Sadar Upazila. Amidst the clashing sounds of sticks and the dhols (drums) rhythm, participants engage in attacks and counterattacks in this stick-fighting competition.
The local community is celebrating this festival, focusing on the stick-fighting competition. The event is organized by a Facebook group page called “Update Kushtia.”
On Wednesday (October 25), led by local stick-fighting masters Janar Ali and Dhuli Raja Mia, 82 participants from 12 teams participated in the stick-fighting competition from the afternoon until 10 PM on the second day of the competition.
The event organizer, Arpon Mahmud, stated that this stick-fighting competition is held like a fifth-day celebration. Over the turbulent period, it has turned entertainment into a staple food for people throughout the area. However, as the rainy season descends, people sit down to watch this game. Yet, the interest of entertainment-loving people fuels this stick-fighting event. Each year, hundreds of men and women, young and old, gather from various places to watch the three-day competition, turning the playing field into a grand fairground.
Janar Ali, the stick-fighting master, mentioned that they have been conducting competitions in various areas for about 23 years. However, those involved in this game could be better. They live a difficult life filled with sorrow and poverty. There is no provision for them from the government to improve their livelihood through regular discussions and training if they have the opportunity. They could take this game to a broader audience with such a provision.
Stick-fighting is a skill of self-defense combined with the art of aggression, which involves striking and defending against opponents with sticks, creating an exhilarating and intense contest. This skill is what entertains the audience and spreads enthusiasm in stick-fighting competitions.
In this year’s stick-fighting competition, participants from Kushtia, Chuadanga, Meherpur, and Jhenaidah, along with those from other regions, demonstrated their stick skills. The game will continue until Thursday night.
