Mokkar Boli Khela


Boli Khela or Bali Khela is a traditional form of wrestling in Bangladesh. It is particularly popular in the Chittagong area, where it is considered as a national game. It is a combat sport involving grappling type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. It is one of the oldest traditions of Chittagong. A sporting event is held in the first month of the Bengali year date of 7th, at Madarsha Union as Mokkaro Boli Khela.

Etymology

"Boli" means wrestler or a powerful person in Bengali, while "Khela" denotes a game or play. So, Boli Khela means game of the powerful person.

History

Mokkar Boli Khela was introduced in 1879 by Kader Box Chowdhury. He was a grandson of Landlord Yeasin Mokki Satkania Upazila under Madarsha Union in the Chittagong district.
After 1879 Kader Box Chowdhury arranged the tournament to give joy of Man. Nowadays, The tournament arranged by former Madarsha Union council Chairman Najemul Alam Chowdhury & other.
The tournament held on the seventh Boishakh, the first month of Bengali year; and is called "Mokkaro Boli Khela".

Rules

The arena measures 20 feet in diameter, and can be a circle or square in shape. It is played on a dirt or sand floor.
The event starts at afternoon in a festive mood with the music of 'Dabor' and 'Sanai'. 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.

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