Historic Return of Bullock Cart Racing Marks Conclusion of Kila Raipur Rural Games
The three-day annual Kila Raipur Rural Games concluded on Thursday in Ludhiana, highlighted by the momentous return of bullock cart racing after a ban lasting over a decade. The final day's celebrations were dominated by the victory of Kulwant Singh's bulls from Chinarthal village in Fatehgarh Sahib, which secured the top prize of Rs 2 lakh.
Chief Minister Hails Cultural Revival and Legislative Change
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann attended the closing ceremony, praising the revival of the races as a triumph for the state's cultural heritage. The resumption was enabled by the unanimous passage of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Vidhan Sabha last July, effectively ending a prohibition that had been enforced since 2014.
Following Kulwant Singh's win, Resham Singh of Tandhari village claimed the second prize, while Gurinder Singh from Kindi Kullewal secured third place with his bulls Shehzada and Chotu, earning Rs 1.2 lakh. Gurinder Singh expressed enthusiasm, stating, "It is great to participate in these races again after 13 years," referencing the Rural Olympics 2026, which the government is organizing for the third consecutive year.
Veteran Bulls and Cultural Significance Emphasized
During the event, CM Mann met Katari, a 20-year-old veteran bull who, alongside 22-year-old partner Manki, had won first prizes in 2012 and 2013. The pair was scheduled to compete for a 1kg gold prize in 2014 before the races were halted. Owner Jaspal Grewal highlighted that the bulls are now cared for like family elders, underscoring their importance.
Mann framed the games as a "living picture" of the vibrant Punjabi spirit and a tool for cultural continuity. He remarked, "Bulls are an integral part of our heritage; even Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent time farming with them at Kartarpur Sahib."
Minor Incident and Athletic Feats
The event experienced a minor scare when a participant's bull slipped while the CM was present. A member of the Kila Raipur Sports Society confirmed that the animal husbandry department conducted an immediate checkup. Although the bull was found to be unharmed, it was withdrawn from the heat for rest and awarded the 8th prize, with no other incidents reported.
In other athletic highlights, 50-year-old Gurjeet Singh Lalli drew significant applause by carrying a 200kg load, demonstrating his enduring strength. Lalli claimed that while he used to lift 220kg, he still manages 200kg with ease at fifty.
Development Announcements by Chief Minister
Addressing the gathering, CM Mann emphasized that his government is "plugging leakages" to spend public money directly on the people. He announced a comprehensive development package for Kila Raipur, including:
- Rs 30 crore for the renovation of the Dehlon to Pakhowal road.
- Rs 2 crore for a six-a-side hockey astroturf.
- Rs 1.5 crore to widen the village circular road.
- Rs 95 lakh for pond development based on the Seechewal Model.
- Rs 10 lakh for library upgrades and the installation of stadium floodlights.
These initiatives aim to enhance infrastructure and support local sports and community facilities, reinforcing the government's commitment to rural development and cultural preservation.
