Day 17 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026
Held in the village of Qila Raipur (also spelt Kila Raipur) in Ludhiana district, the festival traces its origins to the early 1900s. Inspired by the idea of creating a regional version of the ancient Olympic Games, formal competitions began in 1933.
Since then, the event has grown steadily, evolving into a major sporting and cultural gathering that now draws attention from across India and beyond.
The 2026 edition was held from February 17 to 19.
STRENGTH AND SPECTACLE
What's unique is the extraordinary ways in which strength is displayed.
Participants perform feats such as pulling heavy farm vehicles using only their hair; lifting bicycles with their teeth; and demonstrating brute strength through traditional wrist and hand-twisting contests. There are also motorbike.
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| Image courtesy: All India Radio News |
BULLOCK CART RACE
Among all events, the bullock cart race is seen as the soul of the festival.
These races feature specially bred, powerful bullocks competing in high-speed contests.
Following concerns about animal welfare, the Supreme Court of India banned bull racing in 2014. After years of legal debate and reforms, including the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Act, the races have made a carefully regulated return.
Today, strict oversight ensures that animals are medically certified as fit and no cruelty is permitted during the events.
FOR ALL AGES AND TALENTS
There are events for elderly participants, like races for men in age groups 65 years, 75 years, and 80 years and above.
At the same time, the festival has also hosted top-level talent. Several renowned Indian hockey players, Olympians, and even members of the armed forces have participated over the years.
CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS
As the sun sets, the sporting arena becomes a cultural stage with Bhangra and Giddha performances, and folk music and singing. For Punjabis, especially those living abroad in countries like Canada, the UK, and the USA, the festival serves as a powerful connection to their roots.
A GROWING MOVEMENT
Originally organised by the Qila Raipur Sports Society, the festival is now supported significantly by the Punjab state government. What began as a village-level event has now inspired a much larger movement. Similar rural sports festivals are held in nearly 7,000 villages across Punjab and even in countries like Australia and the UK.
(Information sources: BBC, The Times of India, The Hindustan Times, The New Indian Express, Wikipedia)
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