Belgada Sharyat (bullock cart race) is a traditional and popular sport in Maharashtra, with a tradition of nearly 400 years. This sport is mainly famous in rural areas, especially in the districts of Pune and Ahmednagar.
History and Types
* Traditional Sport: Bullock cart racing is a cultural heritage of Maharashtra and is linked to the rural economy. This sport is organized especially during festivals, celebrations, or fairs.
* Types: There are different types of this race in different parts of the state:
* Pune and Ahmednagar: In the races held here, there is no cart driver to control the bulls. The bulls complete the race on their own and a horseman running in front of the cart only shows them the way.
* Western Maharashtra: In the districts of Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, and Solapur, the 'Chakkadi Sharyat' type is famous, in which many carts are released at the same time and the cart drivers control the bulls.
* Vidarbha: Here this sport is called 'Shankarpat', in which the cart driver controls the bulls.
Ban and Rules
* Ban: In 2014, due to cruelty to the bulls, the Supreme Court banned such races across the country. This ban had a negative impact on the rural culture of Maharashtra and the Khillar breed of bulls.
* Revival: On the lines of the laws made in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the Maharashtra government made changes in the 'Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960'. After that, in 2021, the Supreme Court granted conditional permission to the bullock cart races again, based on some conditions and rules.
Current Rules
Since the races have resumed, strict rules have been implemented to ensure that the animals are not harmed. These rules include:
* Selection of a suitable track for the race.
* A bull is not allowed to participate in more than three races in a day.
* Ensuring that the bulls do not suffer any kind of pain or injury during the race.
* Not giving any performance-enhancing drugs to the bulls.
* Availability of veterinary services at the race venue is mandatory.
* Installing safety measures (like barricades) on the track.
Bullock cart racing is not just a competition, but it is a matter of pride for the farmers and rural people of Maharashtra, which is linked to their culture and traditions.
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