রি জ ও য়া ন
The pride of brave Chattala, the traditional Jabbarer Boli Khela – In this century-old heritage event, it’s not just the wrestlers in Laldighi Maidan who come alive, but the very spirit of Chittagong awakens and history roars!
Jabbarer Boli Khela (জব্বারের বলী খেলা) is a century-old traditional wrestling competition held every year in Chattogram (Chittagong), Bangladesh. It was started in 1909 by a local businessman and social worker named Abdul Jabbar Sowdagar.
At that time, the British colonial rule was dominant, and Abdul Jabbar wanted to encourage physical fitness and unity among the youth of Chattogram to resist colonial oppression. Inspired by the spirit of self-reliance and empowerment, he introduced this wrestling competition.
The first Boli Khela was organized at Laldighi Maidan (the famous red pond field) during the Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh) festivities. Over time, it became a major cultural event, blending sports, tradition, and a vibrant Boishakhi Mela (fair) — turning the whole area into a grand celebration of Chattogram’s spirit.
The word "Boli" (বলী) means "wrestler" and "Khela" (খেলা) means "game" or "sport." Thus, Boli Khela literally translates to "Wrestlers' Game."
Today, Jabbarer Boli Khela is not just about physical strength — it's a living symbol of Chattogram’s pride, bravery, and enduring cultural heritage. Wrestlers (Bolira) from all over the region come to compete, and thousands of spectators gather to cheer, celebrate, and relive the history.
The pride of brave Chattala, the traditional Jabbarer Boli Khela – In this century-old heritage event, it’s not just the wrestlers in Laldighi Maidan who come alive, but the very spirit of Chittagong awakens and history roars!
Jabbarer Boli Khela (জব্বারের বলী খেলা) is a century-old traditional wrestling competition held every year in Chattogram (Chittagong), Bangladesh. It was started in 1909 by a local businessman and social worker named Abdul Jabbar Sowdagar.
At that time, the British colonial rule was dominant, and Abdul Jabbar wanted to encourage physical fitness and unity among the youth of Chattogram to resist colonial oppression. Inspired by the spirit of self-reliance and empowerment, he introduced this wrestling competition.
The first Boli Khela was organized at Laldighi Maidan (the famous red pond field) during the Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh) festivities. Over time, it became a major cultural event, blending sports, tradition, and a vibrant Boishakhi Mela (fair) — turning the whole area into a grand celebration of Chattogram’s spirit.
The word "Boli" (বলী) means "wrestler" and "Khela" (খেলা) means "game" or "sport." Thus, Boli Khela literally translates to "Wrestlers' Game."
Today, Jabbarer Boli Khela is not just about physical strength — it's a living symbol of Chattogram’s pride, bravery, and enduring cultural heritage. Wrestlers (Bolira) from all over the region come to compete, and thousands of spectators gather to cheer, celebrate, and relive the history.