The historic town of Wankaner in Morbi district came alive with equine pride as the three-day Kathiawadi-Marwari Horse Exhibition and Festival, popularly known as the Kama Horse Show, was inaugurated on Friday. The event serves as a vibrant showcase of the region's rich cultural and historical heritage.
Ministers Inaugurate Celebrations of Equine Legacy
The festival was formally inaugurated by Gujarat's Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, Cooperation, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries, Jitu Vaghani. He was joined by the Minister for Primary, Secondary, and Adult Education, Rivaba Jadeja, alongside other dignitaries and horse breeders from across the region.
In his address, Minister Vaghani connected the event to broader state initiatives. He stated that concerted efforts to conserve indigenous horse breeds and increase their population were launched during the tenure of the then Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi. Vaghani emphasized that the Kama Horse Show aligns with the state government's vision to strengthen animal husbandry through dedicated schemes. He also highlighted that such events inspire the younger generation to appreciate India's equine heritage.
Ensuring animal welfare was a key priority. Vaghani informed the gathering that blood samples of all participating horses were collected prior to the competition. After a thorough medical screening, 250 out of over 300 registered horses were permitted to compete.
Historical Significance and Tribute to a Visionary
The festival is being organized in memory of the late Dr. Digvijaysinh Zala of the Wankaner royal family, who first initiated the horse show back in 1994. His primary objective was to promote and conserve indigenous horse breeds, a mission that continues today.
Speaking on the cultural importance, Minister Rivaba Jadeja noted that horses have been an integral part of Indian culture since the Vedic era. She referenced the Ashwamedha Yagna mentioned in ancient texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata to underline their historical significance.
Keshridevsinh Zala, Rajya Sabha MP and a member of the Wankaner royal family, stated that India's history of sacrifice and valour is incomplete without acknowledging the role of horses. He described the 17th edition of the Kama Horse Show as a moment of pride for Morbi and Wankaner, congratulating all stakeholders involved in preserving the Kathiawadi breed. Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat also visited the event on its opening day.
A Festival of Culture, Competition, and Conservation
The event offered much more than just exhibitions. Attendees were treated to thrilling stunt performances by the Rajkot Police Mounted Unit. The festival also featured a best-decorated horse competition, adding a visual spectacle to the proceedings. Adding to the scholarly aspect of the event, a book providing detailed information on horses was released during the festival.
The Kama Horse Show stands as a significant annual endeavor, successfully blending cultural celebration with serious conservation goals for India's prized indigenous horse breeds.
