Bull race enthralls all

Tirupati: A large number of youngsters took part enthusiastically in the annual `bull festival’ (Yeddula Panduga) vying with one another to snatch the prize tied to their horns, at Rangampet, 20 km from here, on Thursday. Following the age-old custom in the village on the third day of Sankranti (‘Kanuma’), rows of oxen and bulls were let out to race in the narrow street, piercing through scores of youth standing to overpower the animals, in a show of valour and also to secure prizes.

Thrilling scenes were witnessed, with youth boldly pouncing on the racing oxen/bulls running wildly attacking whoever came their way, in an effort to pin them down. People lined up all along the edges of the street and also atop buildings cheering the youth and yelling in ecstasy. This added to the excitement, electrifying scenes were witnessed, when some youngsters were tossed up by bulls, while many others surrounded or chased the animals, running blindly, in a combative mood.

The event went off smoothly, despite a good number of oxen and bulls and the gathering of curious onlookers which much more than that last year’s crowd, except that minor injuries were caused to15 youth and some onlookers.