Chittagong, the City of Boli
Submitted by: Maesha Akter Juhi (2132298030)
Section: 20 (Spring 2024)
Serial no: 05
Department of History and Philosophy, North South University
HIS 101: Bangladesh History and Culture
Submitted to: Professor Dr. Masood Imran (MDI1)
May 11, 2024
Introduction:
Traditional wrestling known as "Boli Khela" is the district sport of Chittagong and is
considered very special. Most people in Chittagong are aware of Boli Khela, not many are
aware of the rich history of this sport. Boli Khela translates to the game of the powerful. The
city of Chittagong has witnessed many wrestlers. From the city's Anderkilla intersection, the
entire Laldighi Par area set out. Local entrepreneurs and traders from all over the nation arrive
the fair venue, bringing a wide range of goods with them. Even there are some people choice
wrestlers as their earning source to revive their family tradition.
The name of the game ‘Boli Khela’ has its origins in two different words ‘Boli’ and
‘Khela’. ‘Boli’ is a local term which means a strong or powerful person and the word ‘Khela’
is the Bengali meaning of the word sport or game. There is debate about the actual origin of
Boli Khela. It is not historically proven, but traditionally believed that the ‘Boli Khela’
originated in the subcontinent during the Mughal dynasty (1526-1857). Some scholars argue
that Boli Khela was originated from the Arakan state of Myanmar (Burma). Mreover , many
Portuguese and Catholic community settled in Chittagong because it was a port area,
beginning with the Portuguese settlers of the early sixteenth century. Portuguese people used
to have immense physical strength and they used to practice wrestling along with many
sports. All this historical evidence conveys, Chittagong, as the city of “Boli” or strong person
known as wrestler.
Background:
Yasin Makki, who came from Mecca, to spread Islam, began residing at Madarsha
union in Satkania Upazila of Chittagong, around 250–300 years ago. Yasin began preaching
and running a business in the neighborhood. He used to take many Bangladeshis to Saudi
Arabia for Hajj, earning the area the title of "Mokkar Bari".He died shortly after during one
Hajj Season. However, his family continued his line of Zamindari. Yasin Makki's grandson,
Kader Bokshu, came up with the idea to amuse his subjects while collecting rent, and the boli
khela was dedicated to him after his death. He used to plant a massive tree in front of the house
at the start of the game. Those who came to pay the rent and those who could lift the tree were
allowed to participate in the sport. Reportedly, beginning in 1879, during the first month of
each year, he collected dues from his renters and arranged this tournament. The first day of the
Bengali calendar, the 7th of Boishakh, became known as "Mokkaro Boli Khela" after his death.
Research Question
•
•
As a traditional sport, how Boli Khela contributed to the cultural identity of Chittagong
over time?
How do current practices reflect or subdivide from its historical roots?
•
What role could it play in promoting cultural tourism and impact the local economy in
Chittagong?
•
How modernization and the availability of alternative form of entertainment influenced
the audience engagement in Boli Khela in Chittagong?
•
and what lessons can be drawn from these comparisons to enhance its preservation and
popularity of the traditional spots?
Variation of Boli Khela:
Considering the use of physical strength and muscular power of a male in performing
condition, there are some alike games in other parts of Bangladesh which is known as ‘Kusti
Khela’ ‘Kusti Kheir’ ‘Kushti Lorai’, or ‘Bhaiafi Kusti’. Which also uses similar type of
physical strength and muscular power. Though there are a few deference's in rules and process,
but the core connotation of the game is the same.
The Rules of the Boli ring
The playing surface is at least 14 to 20 feet across as well as shaped like a square or
circle. Boli wrestling competitors train and compete on earthen floors instead of modern mats.
The match took place on a sandy wrestling mat. The festivities get started with the sounds of a
type of folk drum and flute. Which are known as "Dabor" and "Sanai". Every match lasts
approximately twenty to thirty minutes. ‘Boli Khela’ is a series or round-based competition. A
player is eliminated from the round if his back falls on the ground. The winner from the
first round prepares himself for another round with a deferent player. In this way, one
player gets qualified for the second or quarterfinal rounds. The number of rounds depends on
the number of competitors. However, if both players agree, the final match can go up to fifteen
or twenty minutes longer. The goal of the Boli Khela is to conquer the opponent entirely
without harming or striking him. There is no point system, and the winner, whoever can take
an opponent to the ground and keep him there. Competitors are selected through a lottery
system. From then, there are quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals. The competition ends before
the Maghrib prayers.
Jobbarer Boli Khela
Jobbarer Boli Khela was the first renowned Boli Khela so far. It is still the popular one.
It is frist held on 25 April 1909 on Laldighi Maidan at the initiative of Abdul Jabbar, a
businessman from Badarpati area of Chattogram. Since then, the competition has been held
once a year in Chattogram. His motive was to cultivate a sport that would prepare the youth to
fight against British rule. However, his competition proved to become highly popular, ending
up with Abdul Jabbar being awarded the title of Khan Bahadur for organising this exceptional
event. Jabbar, however, refused to accept the award as he was a staunch supporter of the antiBritish movement. (Azad, 2022) [3]
Great Practitioners
● Didar Boli, a trader from Omkhali under Ramu upazila in Cox's Bazar district.
● Oli Hossain of Brahmanbaria district.
● Marma Singh, a sub inspector of Gulshan Police Station in Dhaka.
Laldighi Maidan
This is the place where every year boli khela took place. On the 12th of Baishakh in
1910, Abdul Jabbar organized the first Boli khela on the banks of Lal Dighi. Since then, every
year on the 12th of Baisakh, Boli khela is held on the banks of Lal Dighi. Other than that, if we
look back this place has its own history.
In 1761, Chattogram came under the rule of the East India Company. At that time, the
Tahsil office known as metropolitan police area was painted in red colour. So, this is known to
the people as "Lalkuthi". The British government constructed a jail at the north-east of Lalkuthi.
It was also painted red and hence it was called "Lalghar". These two buildings were watched
by two British guards wearing red turbans. Many believe that the buildings are named Lalkuthi
and Lalghar for this reason. There was a small pond next to Lalkuthi and Lalghar. In the early
days of British rule in Chattogram, the pond was turned into dighi. Locals call the pond Laldighi
as it is situated in the middle of the Lalkuthi and Lalghar. A few structures and fields were built
around the Laldighi. Fair is also organized on the bank of this large pond. (2024, April 9).
Laldighi. Chittagong.gov.bd [10]
Festivity around Oldest Folk Festival
If someone claims that the main Baishakhi celebration for the people of the port city
has not yet started.Without “Boli Khela” no one can imagine of starting the festivity of
Baishakhi. Everyone is looking forward to the 12th of Boisakhi, which is the day of "Jabbarer Boli Khela," the most anticipated Baishakhi celebration for those in the capital of business.
When "Boli Khela" first gained popularity in the early 20th century, fans would occasionally
raise up the intensity with the game by playing drums and flutes, among other musical
instruments.
“On this occasion the fair in Laldighi Maidan begins one day before the competition
and expands one kilometre around the wrestling venue. The artisans, craftsmen, potters,
blacksmiths and other businessmen open their stalls to sell their products in the fair. Local
people also wait for the whole year for this fair as they can buy all household accessories from
there.”(Daily Sun, 2018)
Cultural Significance of Boli Khela
Folk traditional sports like “Boli Kela “is an important part of our traditional culture,
and the characteristics. It is uniquely entertaining, educational and cultural. Folk traditional
sports are simple, convenient and popular The field of sport and culture “refers to the values,
ceremonies and way of life characteristics of a given group and the place of sport within that
way of life. Like the concept of society, the notion of culture is widely used in the sociological,
anthropological and historical study of sport. It encourages the researcher and student to
consider the meanings, symbols, rituals and power relations at play within any cultural setting”
(Jarvie, 2006, p. 5) [8]
Boli Khela is essential in preserving and advancing Bangladesh's cultural legacy. The
activity is deeply rooted in the customs, festivals, and rituals of the area, frequently acting as
the focal point of cultural celebrations and social events. It promotes a sense of unity and pride
in Bangladeshi culture by bringing people together and bridging socioeconomic, gender, and
age gaps. The elder generation had an unrivalled affection for the Boli Khela celebrations.
Visitors to the Mela would come as families and friends, joining the lively crowd in welcoming
and cherishing the moment. Women from Anowara used to have a condition in their Kabeen
Nama (marriage papers). The requiring was, their husbands to take them to visit the Shorkarer
Boli Khela, which really goes on to show the cultural significance.
Folk sports encapsulate a country's rural tradition and culture. Therefore, actions must
be taken to preserve these indigenous “Boli Khela “to protect Bangladesh's rural culture. This
will require government support. The government should take the initiative and arrange regular
contests to keep these rural sports alive. Organizing local fairs focused on this form of
competition will inhance people's interest in these sports. Furthermore, such activities are quite
beneficial in terms of fostering local mutual bonds
Arguments regarding Boli Khela:
Modernization of time has changed peoples mind drastically. People gets excited
for a scripted wrestling show, but not giving importance to the country's history like ,
boli khela which is a real-life wrestling game. Most of the pepole don’t even know why
every year in Chittagong, boli khela holds. Peopole in social media write long paragraph
about how western culture is potraing themselves. But none of them don’t even bother
to know about bangladeshi traditional stports like this. People willing to spend 4000tk
to visit westernised concert but not willing to pay 200tk to visit a traditional sport like
Boli Khela . Many foreign adopted games are supported by the bangles , but not
showing interest to the Local Historical games of the country. Though this generation
does not know much about this type of folk game, but this has been matter of great
cultural importance. It is a way for people to connect with their heritage and to celebrate
their traditions. People from many places come here to enjoy the game and the Fair. But
everyone is not aware of upholding such a great historic game and its dignity.
Problems:
Though it is a great historical event and a matter of joy and festival, Jobbarer boli khela
also facing problem problem with the modernization of time. The traditional sport is about to
lose its former glory when it comes to the main event because there isn't enough professional
Bolis (wrestlers).
As the younger generation, many of us have only caught glimpses of the vibrant
tradition of Boli Khela. The once buzzing Boishakhi Mela and exciting Boli Khela have
become tales only. Unfortunately, as we've grown up, the tradition seems to have faded into
obscurity. Instead of eagerly cheering on the players, we find ourselves complaining about the
traffic caused by the festival instead. In our modernity and excessive options of entertainment,
we have lost love for what is our very own and are looking for it in things that don’t really
belong to us. In addition, to make the festival more contemporary and draw more
attendees, the sponsoring businesses are heavily branding it. As a result, the fair has
displaced the traditional sport as the major attraction.
Conclusion:
Boli Khela, a traditional wrestling sport in Chittagong, Bangladesh, is a cornerstone
of the region's cultural heritage. It is a fascinating folk sport that is firmly ingrained in
Bangladesh's rich cultural past. This age-old activity has long been valued and is still cherished
as a representation of local community strength, talent, and cohesion. In addition to
encouraging physical fitness, imparting useful life skills, and encouraging a sense of
community unity, it serves as a symbol of the nation's rich legacy. This historic sport may be
kept alive and enjoyed by future generations if it is protected and encouraged. In summary,
Boli Khela remains a unique aspect of Chittagong's identity. To preserve its legacy, efforts
must be made to adapt the tradition to modern times, encouraging new generations to embrace
and uphold this piece of cultural history.
References
1. Abedin, M.J. (2018, April 20). Jabbar-Er Boli Khela: A Century-Old Folk Festival.
Daily
Sun.
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CenturyOld-Folk-Festival
2.‘Jabbar-er Boli Khela’ and ‘Baishakhi Mela’ in Chittagong. (2010,April 23). The Daily Star.
Retrieved April 15, 2024, https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-136182
3.Azad, A. (2022, April 25).Jobbarer Boli Khela: Wrestling with history.The Business
Standard.
https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/jobbarer-boli-khela-wrestling-history409358
4.Didar, Marma Singh Tripura joint champions. (2008, April 8). The Daily Star. Retrieved
April 15,2024. https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-136182
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https://www.chittagong.gov.bd/en/site/tourist_spot/UhKh%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%98%E0%A6%BF