Bullock cart racing will have to regain lost pace after nine-year stay

Nagpur: Pankaj Metangale, a farmer from Narkhed taluka in Nagpur, was busy racing bullocks some 75km across the state border, at Betul in Madhya Pradesh, when the news came that a Supreme Court ruling has allowed the sport to restart in Maharashtra too.
A group of 6-7 farmers had gone to Betul, where races are not banned, to keep alive the tradition of Shankarpat — as bullock races are called in Vidarbha. A PIL had led to a stay on the traditional bullock cart races since 2012.
So, farmers from Vidarbha had taken to loading their bullocks in mini-trucks, and taking them to places in bordering Madhya Pradesh for the races, says Metangale. He was in Betul with two bullocks and his crew, including the driver. He is now happy that the races can happen in his village too.
Not as widespread as in Marathwada, yet racing has been popular in Vidarbha, farmers told TOI. A means of popular entertainment in rural areas, the races also have political implications. The racing season begins typically after Sankranti festival, which falls on January 14.
The average Vidarbha farmer is rather indifferent but for the rich peasantry it is indeed a passion to chase, said sources in the hinterland. “Celebrations broke out after the SC order in pockets like Babulgan, 20km from our village, which has rich farmers,” said Anup Chavan, a farmer from Bodbodhan village in Yavatmal. Not everyone can rear the high quality bullocks used in the races, as they cost anywhere between Rs1 to 2 lakh, he said.
Yet, it is undeniable that the races spur the local economy. The races are organized by local leaders, who pool money from villagers for the expenses. An entry fee is taken from participants too, said farmers. The events have a political dimension also apart from being status symbols, said sources.
Manish Jadhav, also in Yavatmal, was rejoicing with others. He was among those who had been pressing hard in favour of the races. “We met all leaders, including former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari, to lobby against the ban,” he said.
“The nine-year stay has, however, has led to many changes. Both, the high quality bullocks and those rearing it, are a dying breed now. The breeders used to earn well, sometimes enough to fund a lavish marriage function. The stay had put the activities on hold. Not many breed the animals these days. Unable to bear the expenses, many have sold off the racing bullocks,” he said.
State animal husbandry minister Sunil Kedar said it’s a matter of rejoicing for farmers but it would take at least 4 to 5 years to revive the tradition now. The ban had pushed it to the verge of extinction. The government will help come up with measures to aid farmer breeding race bullocks. It could be in the form of artificial insemination and other help, he said.
“The ban on races was a loss to the local economy too, as farmers from my constituency in Saoner used to rush to Madhya Pradesh for the races,” said Kedar.