The Sonai is a small, medium-depth river on the western border between India and Bangladesh. On one side is the Bangladeshi district of Satkhira, and on the other is the Indian district of West Bengal. Every year on Eid-Ul-Fitr, a boat race is arranged between India and Bangladesh. Colorful boats loaded with dozens of people paddle through the river as fast as they can between 2 ends, usually from the north of the river to a southern bridge. Whichever boat reaches the bridge the fastest wins. The boats are spectacularly colorful and often have a man playing an instrument (usually a local rendition of a drum) on the far end. Bangladesh and India usually win on alternating years. This year, in 2026, Bangladesh won the race! The annual boat race attracts thousands of visitors from either side of the river and is a tradition that shows the deep-rooted unity and love between the people of Bangladesh and India, regardless of religion or heritage.
