The sounds of drums and cheers will soon fill the air of Chattogram as the 114th edition of the historic Jabbarer Boli Khela wrestling competition is set to take place at the Laldighi Maidan.

This traditional form of wrestling, which has been held annually since 1909, has not only become a celebrated event in the region but also holds a significant place in the city's history. As the stage is set and preparations are almost complete, locals and visitors alike are eagerly looking forward to witnessing this cultural and sporting extravaganza.

The main wrestling stage has already been set up in the middle of Laldighi Maidan. Heavyweight wrestlers around the country will lock horns in this ring on April 25. The event is traditionally held along with a three-day fair called Boishakhi Mela, named after the first month of the Bengali calendar. The fair, which will showcase handicrafts and locally made household utensils, among other items, will start on April 24, a day before the wrestling competition.

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury unveiled the trophy for the winners of the wrestling competition yesterday. The organisers are expecting more than 200 wrestlers to participate in this year's competition.

The event's theme song has also been inaugurated, and to celebrate the joy of Eid-ul-Fitr, Chatgaiya Utsob will be organised on the third and final day of the three-day fair.

Chowdhury Farid, the vice-chairman of the organising committee, believes that the event's timing, just after Eid-ul-Fitr, will add more colour to the festivity of the local people.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Jabbarer Boli Khela was introduced in 1909 by Abdul Jabbar Shawdagar, a local merchant of Bakshirhat and a resident of Badarpoti area in the port city. He wanted to motivate the local youths and make them physically fit for the struggle against the British imperialist rulers.

Shakhawat Anwar Badol, secretary of the organising committee and also the grandchild of Abdul Jabbar, said although his grandfather initiated the event, it is no longer a family tradition. "It belongs to all the people of Chattogram who are keeping this event alive."

RULES

The event starts in the afternoon in a festive mood with the music of 'Dabor' (one kind of folk drum) and 'Sanai' (folk flute). Each match lasts about 25-30 minutes but if both competitors agree, the length of the final match may be extended up to 10-15 minutes.

The arena is either a circular or square shape, measuring at least fourteen to twenty feet across.

It is a style of wrestling that is based on raw physical strength and technique. The wrestlers are not allowed to punch or kick their opponent, and they must only use their strength and wrestling techniques to win by forcing opponents to the ground. The wrestler who manages to take down their opponent wins the round.