It was perfect arena for the cattle race, at Pillaveettil paddy fields near Kundara on Friday, with the fields remaining slushy and waterlogged following the recent rain.
Bulls from various parts of Travancore locked horns in the race, on the bright and sunny day, before a sizeable crowd which gathered to watch the thrilling display, after a gap of five years.
As many as 20 pairs of cattle participated in the race in 14 categories. The race was held on a time-trial basis with one pair of cattle racing at a time.
The annual race had to be discontinued five years ago following a court ban and SPCA regulations. This year’s race was held with special permission from the Kollam district administration.
The Elampalloor Grama Panchayat organised the race. The race was held under the close supervision of the Kollam district administration. “The number of teams which participated in the race was one of the highest in the region,” the organisers said.
Earlier, Kollam MP N Peethambara Kurup inaugurated the festival. He said that the festival should be organised in a more elaborate manner in the coming years and the organisers should find sponsors for the purpose. He highlighted the tourism potential of the race. Elampalloor Panchayat president Anish said that Maramadi should be promoted at a time when the government and local bodies were taking efforts to promote agriculture.