ADILABAD: Drawing inspiration from the Jallikattu agitation in Tamil Nadu, bullock cart racing competitions were held at Nagoba Jatara on Sunday, after a gap of 30 years, evoking much interest among the tribals. Nagoba jatara is the second biggest festival of tribals held in Keslapur village of Indravelli mandal in the district.
The tribal leaders now have plans to organise the event in a big way from next year. The bullock cart racing, a major event during the jatara, was stopped in 1987 owing to law and order problem and other issues. The bullock cart race was held as part of revival of traditional sports and games of the Adivasis in Adilabad and neighbouring districts at the jatara.
‘‘We drew inspiration from Tamilians who agitated against the move to stop their traditional game. No cruelty to animal was involved in our game either,’’ an organiser admitted.
The competition was held by the Rai Centre, a body of tribal elders, who will look into the issues concerning their community within the village.
Advisor of Rai Centre for four districts Kanakka Lakke Rao told Express that they want to revive their traditional game and hence organised the competition. He said they sought permission from the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Utnoor, but did not get the required permission to hold the event. In spite of it they went ahead and organised the game.
‘‘Within a short period, we have organised the event and people from surrounding villages participated. We will organise the event in a big way from next year,’’ Lakke Rao asserted.
Sunday’s event saw the participation of 25 bullock carts and U Ashok of Thosam village in Indervelli mandal won the race winning a cash price of Rs 10,000. Meshram Bheem Rao of Saidpur village secured second place and won Rs 7,500.