Ahmedabad: People belonging to the Kshatriya community in a village in Gujarat wear heavy armour on and organise a horse race on 'bhai-booj'. The horse race draws a huge crowd from nearby villages and Ahmedabad. This custom has been continuing for the last 750 years.
The Kshatriya community, known for its bravery is famous for following its old traditions. Over 750 years ago, when Mughals were establishing their empire over the princely states, they attacked King Viram Singh of Jhalor. In order to save his daughter Chothba, King Viram Singh handed her over to a saint named Nath Babji. The saint managed to escape with Chothba and reached Peplu village in Disa tehsil of Banaskantha.
Some years later, Chothba got married to Devi Singh Vaghela of the Rajvi family of Peplu. Since Chothba, who had come from Rajasthan, did not have any brother here, her 'kanyadaan' was performed by the sons of Rathod family of Mudetha village that was settled near Pepbu village.
The Rathod family sons adopted Chothba as their sister and got her married off. Her brothers from Rathod family used to take 'chunari' for Chothba every New Year. Fearing Mughal attacks, the Rathod family men used to wear armour as a protective cover.
The tradition of wearing armour is being followed since then. According to this tradition, the people of the Rathod family go from Mudetha village to nearby Peplu village on the occasion of New Year carrying chunari for Chothba and return on bhai-dooj. After returning, they rejoice and play cards before singing 'hadila' (traditional songs) and later organise a horse race.
More than 400 competitors participate in this horse race in Mudetha village. The race is being held for the last 750 years. Apart from the participants, the race draws a huge crowd. Unike other programmes no police arrangements are made here. Instead, the task of ensuring law and order rests with the Rathod family of Mudetha village.
