Brum’s biggest boat race showcases best of Bangladeshi heritage
Nowka Bais, a boat racing extravaganza which attracts thousands of participants and racing fans from across the continent, took place this week showcasing the cultural flair and flavour of Birmingham’s South Asian[1] diaspora. The festival displays the traditional form of dragon boat style racing, held in rural villages of Bangladesh after monsoon rains.
The event, now in it's eighth year, has become one of the country’s leading Bangladeshi cultural attractions. As well as being a celebration of South Asian culture, organisers say the event designed to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in inner city areas.
Birmingham’s[2] version of the popular sport includes all-female and mixed gender teams in an outdoor activity commonly dominated by men. The festival was held in Edgbaston Reservoir[3] on Sunday 23 July.
Nowka Bais boat race womens team. (Image: Adam Ali)
“We have developed a holistic approach to our work with the community,” said event co-director Johur Uddin. “At the heart of our approach has been the ability to cultivate and develop relationships with members of the community in a culturally appropriate manner, which has enabled us to build strong relationships through working in groups.
“Moreover, we believe that bringing people together from different communities will give them an opportunity to know and appreciate the history and culture of others, address isolation, improve self-confidence and improve overall health and wellbeing.”
Each boat is traditionally 40ft long, painted bright red, white, yellow and green, and paddled by a 16-man crew in brightly-coloured robes who follow the beat of a drummer in the prow of the craft. The race, which is the largest of its kind in Britain, is the centrepiece of a community festival that also offers Bangladeshi street food, arts and crafts stalls, a funfair, sports activities, rowing and sailing taster sessions, as well as live music and dance.
Saraya Hussain (L) with her Blazing Blades teammates and their winning medals. (Image: Adam Ali)
“It’s only the second time I’ve taken part and it’s gruelling hard work but I thoroughly enjoyed it," said Saraya Hussain, who trained with the Blazing Blades. "Nowka Bais has been very progressive for female participation and it allows women from South Asian backgrounds to get out there, get fit, build their confidence and take part in a true community event.
“For women like me and others, it helps us break down social barriers and bridge a cross-generational gap. The three winning teams, Running Angels, Saheli Hub and Blazing Blades are mixed teams with a lot of women of colour taking part which, in my mind, is very significant."
Hosted in partnership with the Midland Sailing Club and the Canal & River Trust, the multiple boat races raised funds for charity and attracted participation from members of West Midlands Police[4], Saathi House, Birmingham City Council[5] and several national sailing clubs. The event was timed to take place during South Asian Heritage Month which is running across the UK between 18 July and 17 August.
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References
- ^ South Asian (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Birmingham’s (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Edgbaston Reservoir (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ West Midlands Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Birmingham City Council (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ [email protected] (reachplc.com)