Pata khela, a traditional rural Bengal game played with snakes, has been held in Dinajpur Sadar upazila. Spectators were delighted to see the game, which has been disappearing amid modern life.

The traditional game was held on the afternoon of Sunday (5 January) on the field of Kishan Bazar Chakdeotair village in No 4 Shekhpura union of the upazila.

According to the organising committee, five tantriks took part in the game. Four snakes were released on the field as the pata in front of about 10,000 people. The crowd of curious onlookers across the field was striking.

The tantriks charmed the audience by showing off their skills. Dulal Tantrik of Par Dighan village in Sadar upazila came first and won a mobile phone. The tantrik who came second was given a duck.

First-place winner Dulal Tantrik said the game is actually held right after Manasa puja. "This game is the heritage of our rural Bengal. A few people together draw the snake pata by chanting mantras. Winners here are given prizes," he said.

Organising committee head Abu Sayeed said: "We organised various games over three days. Today, on the last day, the snake pata khela was held. Winning here is what matters. The power of the tantrik's mantra is tested here, and people enjoy it." About 10,000 people gathered to watch the game, he said.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.