Annual bull races ooze blood yet again at Karnataka's Vijayapura; Kara Hunnime festival Vijayapura (Karnataka) : Bullfights in Karnataka’s Vijayapura district turned tragic after 10 people were injured during the 'Kara Hunnime' celebration, a festival for farmers that marks the conclusion of summer and the onset of monsoon. This incident happened as the festival celebrations were at their peak at Kakhandaki village of Babaleshwar Taluku, Vijayapura district on Saturday.
The injured persons were immediately rushed to the hospital. Every year, on the occasion of these annual celebrations, farmers groom their bulls and prepare them for the races. The procession of the bulls will be held accompanied by instrumental music. Later, the bull contest begins in this village. The bull owners vie with one another to gain an upper hand in the races.
During these races last year, a man was killed and five people were injured. As the bull races became a popular event in Karnataka during this season, people from far-off places would also arrive at these villages to witness these highly competitive, blood-spilling races. Though objections come up now and then against holding such races that ooze blood, the authorities could not take immediate action since it was a matter of local tradition and custom.
Also Read : SC upholds Tamil Nadu 'Jallikattu' law, Karnataka Kambala, Maharashtra bullock cart race
Even in respect of Tamil Nadu's Jallikattu bull contests, a Constitution bench has upheld that Constitutional protection can be given to such animal sports as a 'traditional and cultural right’ of the local populations. The Supreme Court of India had also held the view that since the bull races were a part of the preservation of the cultural heritage of a particular state, there was no necessity to disturb the same.
