Preparations in full swing for bullock-cart race
Tuesday, 12/01/2016
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LUDHIANA: After the nod of the Union ministry of environment forest and climate change to conduct bullock-cart races, the farmers of Kila Raipur and nearby villages are quite enthusiastic as they are gearing up to participate in one of the most sought after rural game.
An enthusiast trains his bulls for the race in Ludhiana on Monday.
The bullock-cart race was in controversy when the Supreme Court had banned the event last year. But organisers had taken up this matter with the government, citing that they do not inflict any sort of cruelty on the bulls during the race.
Farmers in large numbers have started training their bulls to bag top rank in the race. Besides, the sale and purchase of the bulls is also in full swing.
According to the organisers of Kila Raipur games, they are expecting more than 100 candidates for the first day of bull race. A large numbers of NRIs are also said to have planned to visit India to witness the Kila Raipur games, also known as Rural Olympics.
Balwinder Singh Jagga, secretary, Grewal Sports Club, said, “Farmers are very excited after the central government gave its nod for the bullockcart race. This time people are eagerly waiting for the games. We will conduct the games by taking care of all the norms set by the ministry.”
Jagdev Singh, a resident of Asi Kalan, said, “We have started training our bulls hard with the motive to gain stamina for the races. We have started giving special diet to the bulls that includes ghee, milk and grams among others. We are also sparing time for the bulls to train them effectively for the race.”
Raju Walia, another farmer, said he bought a pair of bulls for the race after coming to know the decision of the central government. “It is the traditional game of the farmers so I am keen to take part in it. I will train my bulls for the race to lift the race title,”he added.
