Jabbarer Boli Khela, Chattogram's wrestling festival

Held every Boishakh at Laldighi since 1909, this traditional wrestling contest is one of Chattogram's best-loved festivals.

In 1909 Abdul Jabbar Saudagar, a merchant of Chattogram, organised a wrestling match at Laldighi Maidan, hoping to build strength and spirit among young Bengalis during British rule. The contest has been held almost every year since on the 12th of Boishakh. Wrestlers, known as boli, come from across the region to compete in an open ring before large crowds. Around the bout a fair of cane goods, pottery, toys and food stretches through the surrounding streets for days.