Thursday, July 14, 2016

Indian Rural Olympics

#ashokasays Did you know 280:

Olympics 2016 are about to start in just a few days from now. And India is sending out its largest ever delegation this time. 120 athletes. Lets wish them and wish that they bring more medals and glory to the country. But did you know that in Raipur, located in the Sardulgarh tehsil of Mansa district in Punjab, they celebrate the famous Kila Raipur Sports Festival, popularly referred to as the India's Rural Olympics.

Running for eight decades now, the popular sports festival in the districts of Punjab is a fascinating sight to witness. This sporting event takes place in the very beginning of February every year and lasts for 3 days. It is the time when the farming chores are put on the back burner and people gather to perform some of the craziest, insane and bizarre feat at Kila Raipur Village 15 kilometers from Ludhiana in Punjab.

The Rural Olympics were started in the year 1933 by philanthropist Inder Singh Grewal. He was struck by an idea to group together farmers from nearby Kila Raipur areas every year to match their physical strength and endurance. This small idea led to the birth of Kila Raipur Sports Festival. The aim of the event was “healthy mind in a healthy body”. The sports association decided for a watchword “excellence” which was to be achieved through participation in grueling sports events. The association also believed that with the advent of such sports events, they could inspire young boys and girls and even veterans to come out of their households and showcase their talents and skills in traditional rural sports.

Over 4,000 sports men and women participate in the festival. They're watched by around 1 million spectators. Bullocks, camels, dogs, mules, and other animals competing in highly professional events must be seen to be believed! The adrenaline-pumping bullock cart race is the main attraction, with sponsored prize money worth lakhs of rupees. Other events that are big on entertainment include a dog race, horse dance, camel race, tractor race, and a tug-of-war. But the chance to see some really off-beat activities is the hugest draw card -- such as people lifting bicycles with their teeth, pulling cars with their teeth or ears, or riding a bicycle ringed with a burning tyre, and other daredevil stunts. The Rural Olympics really is a test of endurance, skill and strength!
The fun doesn't end at the end of the day. Each evening there's a cultural feast featuring top notch folk singers, Bhangra, and Gidha players. The program continues well past midnight on all three day of the festival.

INCREDIBLE BHARATHA











No comments:

Post a Comment