Photo : BSS

CHATTOGRAM, April 24, 2026 (BSS) - The 117th edition of the historic Jabbar's Balikhela (wrestling competition) will begin tomorrow at the Laldighi ground in Chattogram, drawing widespread excitement as a traditional Baishakhi fair has also taken shape around the venue.

More than 120 wrestlers from different regions of the country are set to participate in this year's competition, which remains one of the oldest and most popular folk sporting events in the country.

A two-day Baishakhi fair has been arranged around the Laldighi area in line with the event. Spanning roughly two kilometers, the fair features hundreds of temporary stalls set up by traders from various districts, showcasing a wide range of traditional and household products.

Vendors from Dhaka, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, Khulna, and different parts of Chattogram have joined the fair, creating a vibrant marketplace around the city centre. 

The stalls, stretching from Andarkilla to Kotwali Mor, Jail Road and K.C. Dey Road, were seen being set up from early Friday, with many traders decorating and painting their products to attract visitors.

The fair offers clay utensils, bamboo and cane furniture, wooden items, toys, vases, dolls, fishing gear, baskets, hand fans, saplings, sweets, and various household goods. 

Traditional items such as brass and copper products, musical instruments, swings, and decorative crafts are also available, drawing large crowds of city residents.

Several traders said they arrived days earlier to prepare their stalls. Atiq Bepari, a trader from Dhaka, said transportation costs had increased this year, but he hoped higher footfall would boost sales.

Jahangir Sheikh, a sweet seller from Cumilla, said his family has been involved in the trade for generations and regularly participates in fairs across the country. He expressed optimism about business during the event.

Athai Marma, a broom seller from Kaptai in Rangamati, said he brought 550 pairs of flower brooms this year, noting strong demand from city residents. Another vendor, Zahir Mia from Chandanaish, said he was selling cane and palm-leaf fans at reasonable prices during the summer season.

Local residents also expressed enthusiasm. Many said they prefer to buy essential household items during the fair due to variety and affordability. Some visitors noted that they try to complete their shopping early to avoid heavy crowds.

The fair is scheduled to conclude in the early hours of April 26, ahead of the ongoing SSC examinations. Authorities have tightened security around the venue, including the installation of watchtowers and increased police presence to ensure public safety and smooth movement of visitors.

Organisers said the traditional event has deep historical roots. In 1909, Abdul Jabbar, a local from the Boxirhat area, introduced the wrestling competition at Laldighi ground to inspire youth participation in the anti-British movement. 

Since then, the event has continued annually on the 12th of Baishakh, becoming a major cultural and sporting tradition.

Shawkat Anwar Badal, general secretary of the organising committee and grandson of Abdul Jabbar, said around 120 wrestlers from different parts of the country will compete this year.

He said the event will be inaugurated by Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali, while prizes will be distributed by City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain. Abu Sufian, MP, is expected to attend as a special guest.