Seated on wooden seats attached to make-shift carts with two wheels, a skinny teenager gives a shrill cry, and four bulls prance through the Elephant Gate Street lugging the cart.
This is usually the practice for ‘rekla race’ held in the city during Maatu Pongal. This year, there is an air of uncertainty over the conduct of the race as organisers await police permission.
“Racers from different parts of the city take part in the competition. It is mostly held on the National Highway near Madhavaram early morning,” says S. Gengamuthu, an autorickshaw driver from the Elephant Gate housing board quarters, who has been conducting the race for 15 years now.
Though the 5-km-race lasts only a few minutes, the preparation begins from November. Fodder for animal includes dry fruits, dal and rice bran. Each racer reportedly spends nearly ₹7,000 on his bull every month.
According to historian V. Sriram, in the 1880s the ‘rekla race’ was sought-after in the city. “The South Indian Athletic Association used to conduct it in the People’s Park used to be held between December 24 and January 1” he says. Recalling that he witnessed rekla carts till 1970s, Mr. Sriram says, “After that, I am seeing the carts again only now.”
