Bullock Cart Races Make a Comeback at Kila Raipur Rural Olympics After 12-Year Hiatus
In a significant revival of rural tradition, bullock cart races are set to return to the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics in Punjab after a gap of 12 years. The races will be held on all three days of the event, from January 30 to February 1, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann expected to attend the festivities.
Historical Ban and Legal Framework
Bullock cart races were banned in Punjab in 2014 following orders from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which came in response to a Supreme Court ruling that prohibited the use of bulls in entertainment events under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. The ban was imposed amid concerns over animal cruelty, putting a halt to this popular rural sport that has deep cultural roots in the region.
Ensuring Animal Welfare Compliance
To address these concerns and facilitate the races' return, the Ludhiana district administration has constituted a high-powered committee to oversee the conduct of the bullock cart races. This committee will ensure strict adherence to animal welfare norms, including guidelines from the Animal Welfare Board of India, the Punjab government, the PCA Act, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2019.
Himanshu Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana, confirmed the development, stating that the races will be a highlight of the event and that Chief Minister Mann's attendance underscores the government's support for reviving traditional sports.
Background of the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics
The Kila Raipur Rural Games, popularly known as the Rural Olympics, began in 1933 in Kila Raipur village. Founded by Inder Singh Grewal, the event aimed to promote rural sports and traditional Punjabi culture. For decades, the Grewal Sports Association organized the games, but after a legal dispute over stadium ownership, the Punjab government took charge from 2024 onwards.
Efforts to revive bullock cart races have been ongoing, with the Punjab Legislative Assembly passing an amendment bill in 2019 to allow the races. Last year, a final go-ahead was granted, paving the way for their return this year.
Event Schedule and Highlights
The Rural Olympics will feature a diverse array of events across three days:
- January 30: Opening ceremony with cultural performances like Giddha and Bhangra, hockey matches, athletics events, and bullock cart races starting at 12:15 PM.
- January 31: Hockey semi-finals, kabaddi, shot put, tug of war, and bullock cart races from 12 PM to 2 PM and again from 4 PM.
- February 1: Kabaddi for under-17 girls, cycle races, traditional rural competitions, and bullock cart races at 10 AM and 5 PM, with Punjabi singers entertaining throughout.
Community Response and Participation
Colonel Surinder Singh Grewal, president of the Kila Raipur Sports Society, expressed gratitude to CM Mann and the administration for restarting the races. He emphasized that all animal welfare instructions will be strictly followed and called upon bullock cart unions from Majha, Doaba, and Malwa to participate in compliance with government rules.
Entries for the bullock cart races will be accepted only until 2 PM on January 29, highlighting the organized approach to this year's event.
