Bullock cart races back in Kila Raipur

Ludhiana: After the approval of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, participants have geared up for the bullock cart race, scheduled from February 4 to 7 at village Kila Raipur. Since the apex Supreme Court banned the bullock cart race in the 79th edition of Kila Raipur Games last year, the charm and popularity of the games faded away. However, organizers tried compensating the audience with a horse race, but that did not attract many people.But now that the ministry has given its approval to the race, participants emotionally involved in it are overjoyed.
Jaggi Assi, who won the bullock cart race last time in the 78th edition of Kila Raipur Games, expressed his view: "We are emotionally attached to the Kila Raipur Games and the bullock cart race in it. Ban on the race was an emotional breakdown for us. But now, I am short of words to express my feelings. We are ready for the races. From today, I have started practising my bulls and hopefully, this time too, I will win the race."
Raghbir Grewal, one of the organizers of the Kila Raipur Games, shared: "As soon as the news of the ban being lifted from the race reached the participants, they started coming here at Kila Raipur to congratulate me and celebrate. They even distributed 'laddus' amongst each other. Our Rural Olympics were heartless without bullock cart races."
Another participant, Jaswant Singh, said: "Even after the ban, I have taken proper care of my bulls. These are like kids to me. Since the past week, when the intimation of re-instating the bullock cart races was given, I started giving a proper healthy diet to my bulls, which included 'channa', ghee, and dry fruits. This time, the fervour of bullock cart races will be worth seeing."
While excited participants have started preparing for the races, on the other hand, the animal husbandry department is also ready to keep a check on the bullock cart race. Animal husbandry deputy director Ashwani Kumar Bhardwaj said: "I am aware that the ban has been lifted. A team of veterinary doctors will be sent to the spot. We will ensure that no cruelty is done to the bulls." When asked about the check on giving intoxicants to the bulls, he said: "There is no medical test to check whether bulls are intoxicated or not. However, there are signs to keep a check on that. We shall ensure that all norms are being complied with."
CASH PRIZES
The top eight winners of the bullock cart race get cash prizes, ranging from Rs 11,000 to a maximum of rupees one lakh. More that 100 participants are expected in the bullock cart race.