Description
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Context
- As the south-west monsoon approaches, Nouka Baich Boat Races are set to commence in various rural areas of West Bengal.
Nouka Baich (Nowka Bais):
- Traditional dragon boat-style paddling sport of Bangladesh.
- Also, held traditionally in districts of West Bengal in India such as Murshidabad, Nadia, and both North and South 24 Parganas.
- While Kerala's boat races during Onam are nationally renowned for their scale and singular focus, Bengal's "nouka baich" is less widely recognized outside local communities.
- Bengal stands out with its use of multiple traditional boat types — including Sorengi, Chhip, Kaile Bachhhari, Chande Bachhari, Chitoi, and Sorpi — showcasing a rich variety compared to Kerala's singular boat type tradition.
Significance
- Boat racing in Bengal mirrors Southeast Asian cultural practices found in countries like China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bangladesh, reflecting a shared maritime heritage.
- In essence, "nouka baich" in rural West Bengal encapsulates not just a sporting event but a vibrant cultural tradition, evolving with societal changes while preserving a rich legacy of Southeast Asian maritime heritage.
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PRACTICE QUESTION
Q. What is "Nouka Baich, as referred to in cultural contexts?
A. A traditional boat race style popular in West Bengal during monsoon seasons.
B. A form of fishing technique practiced along the rivers of Bangladesh.
C. A type of traditional dance performed during harvest festivals in Assam.
D. A method of rice cultivation traditionally followed in Kerala.
Answer: A. A traditional boat race style popular in West Bengal during monsoon seasons.
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SOURCE: THE HINDU
