Thousands witness Gwalior’s annual bullock cart race

GWALIOR - The annual bullock cart race of Gwalior attracted scores of spectators from entire Madhya Pradesh, and saw participation of even from the bordering states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The competition was organized by the Gwalior Trade Fair Authority, with the aim of reviving the lost glory of the annual cattle fair in the city.

Over 50 farmers entered pairs of bullocks in the competition.

“The annual cattle fair started almost 100 years ago. Over a period of time, this event has been losing its identity and popularity among the villagers. So in order to revive it, and to bring out the hidden talent among the farmers, we started this bullock-cart race. We want more and more farmers to participate in the fair and therefore a good amount of money has been announced as an award for the winner,” said Kalyan Singh, cattle fair organizer, Gwalior Trade Fair Authority.

The participants, however, said that the cattle fair is losing its popularity, as the emoluments are not lucrative enough.

“The prize money for the winner is less in comparison to the preparation cost. A day’s cost of feeding each bullock is around rupees 200,” said Gopal Singh, a farmer participating in the event.

He added that the bullocks are fed with milk, butter, oil and other healthy foods, and given extra care, as a preparation for the competition.

Bullock cart races are usually held after the harvest season. (ANI)