A traditional village boat race takes place on the Jalangi River at Kushtiate in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on October 26, 2026. The race continues until evening, when the full moon, also known as the Hunter's Moon, is visible above the river. At the end of the race, a tractor carefully transports the boats through the crowded fairgrounds in Tehatta. Before the boat race begins, the rowers coordinate their strokes and familiarize themselves with the river course. The riverbank is densely populated, and because of past accidents, the police arrange safety boats. The traditional boat race in West Bengal, known as 'Nouka Baich,' is a vibrant cultural event celebrated in riverine rural areas during the monsoon season, typically from September to November. It is popular in districts like Murshidabad, Nadia, Malda, and the 24 Parganas, including the Sundarbans. In Nadia, the races are often linked to the worship of the goddess Lakshmi. Local village associations organize these events, attracting large crowds of spectators. Various handcrafted wooden boats, including Chhip, Chitoi, Sorpi, Kaile, Chande Bachhari, and Sorengi (Sarki), are specially designed for speed and balance, rather than for commercial use.
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