Lathi Khela (A traditional Bangladeshi martial art form) was held in Tangail town last Sunday to celebrate Tangail Free Day (December 11). Tangail district was freed from the Pakistani Armed Forces on this day during the Liberation War.
Lathial Mohammad Azhar and his group from Aloa Bhabani village, Tangail staged a performance at Shaheed Memorial Municipal Park in the town. The group performed various acts like Baoi Jhak (group fight), Nori Bari (mock fight with sticks), Fala Khela and Dao Khela (mock fight with sharp weapons) and Chhuri dance to music, in the presence of hundreds. Veteran lathial Abdus Sattar, 70, of the group presented a spectacular performance, which entertained the audience.
Among others, freedom fighter Abdul Kader Siddique Bir Uttam attended the function. Although the tradition of Lathi Khela and groups of lathial were common in the rural areas a few decades ago, only several lathial groups from Ballukkandi, Kabilapara, Enayetpur, Dainya, Charpara and Aloa Bhabani villages in the district have survived. The lathial groups are still hired to perform at different festivals, especially at wedding celebrations.
-With The Daily Star input
