Karnataka Farmer Buys ₹36 Lakh Bullocks, Outpacing a Fortuner! The Thrill of Bullock Cart Racing Explained!

Bullock cart races, a popular sport in various parts of Karnataka, are at the center of this remarkable story.
 
Karnataka Farmer Buys ₹36 Lakh Bullocks, Outpacing a Fortuner! The Thrill of Bullock Cart Racing Explained!

Bengaluru – A farmer in Karnataka has made headlines after purchasing a pair of bullocks for a price higher than that of a Toyota Fortuner SUV. The reason behind this extravagant purchase is both surprising and deeply rooted in local traditions. Bullock cart races, a popular sport in various parts of Karnataka, are at the center of this remarkable story.

In the northern districts of Karnataka, including Bagalkot, Vijayapura, and Gokak, bullock cart races are an integral part of rural festivals and fairs. These races are highly competitive, with prize-winning bullocks fetching prices ranging from ₹12 to ₹14 lakh. The recent purchase of a pair of bullocks for ₹36 lakh has drawn attention, marking the highest price ever paid for bullocks in this region.

The Tradition of Bullock Cart Racing

Bullock cart races are not just entertainment; they are a source of pride for the farmers who participate. Winning a race is considered a significant achievement, bringing both prestige and financial rewards. The winning bullocks can earn their owners prize money ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh, making the investment in strong, well-trained bullocks worthwhile.

The farmer behind this headline-grabbing purchase is Yellangouda Patil, president of the Basaveshwar Jatra Committee in Mahalingpur. His family has been involved in bullock cart racing for over 50 years. For them, participating in and winning these races is a family tradition.

A Record-Breaking Purchase

Patil recently purchased a pair of bullocks, paying ₹36 lakh for the duo—₹11 lakh for one and ₹14 lakh for the other. These bullocks have already won over 100 races, making them a valuable addition to his racing team. "We have always invested in strong and powerful bullocks to ensure we win races," Patil explained. In a recent competition, his bullocks finished third, prompting him to seek out a new pair with a proven track record.

Now, Patil’s new bullocks are being prepared for upcoming races, including the Dussehra festival competitions in Mudhol on October 4 and Yadawad on October 15. The stakes are high, and the anticipation is building for these exciting events.

Why Such High Prices?

The high cost of bullocks for racing is driven by their strength, training, and the potential to win prestigious races. The better their track record, the more valuable they become. For farmers like Patil, who have deep-rooted family traditions in bullock cart racing, the investment is seen as both a way to uphold family pride and a potential source of earnings through prize money.

As Karnataka’s bullock cart racing continues to captivate rural communities, the investment in high-quality bullocks is likely to remain a significant part of this cherished tradition. The next race season promises to be even more competitive, as Patil’s prized bullocks prepare to take the stage once again.

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