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gallery » Kila Raipur Rural Olympics 2009 |
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The Spirit of Punjab lives on.....
In February each year, Ludhiana becomes the destination for hundreds of sports enthusiasts, including foreigners. They come to Kila Raipur to see the special breed of bullocks, camels, dogs, mules and other animals competing in highly professional events. It is to be seen to be believed. In 1946, Mr. Bakhsish Singh was instrumental in getting the most popular event of the Games; the Bullock Cart Race was introduced.
It is here that Punjabi folklore and culture is on full display.
At the end of each day's events, the spectators do not walk back home. Rather they stay on. They wait for the cultural feast, which follows. Every evening, top notch folk singers, Bhangra and Gidha Players are in attendance. The programme continues well past midnight on all three day of the festival.
The popularity of Kila Raipur Sports Festival, the "Rural Olympics" has travelled across all five continents. Tug of war and kabaddi teams from Canada, USA, England and other European countries make it a point to be at Kila Raipur for the Games. It is Kabaddi Tug of war which have instant popularity and acceptability here. The competitions are in different age groups, both for men and women.
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Copyright © 2008 Ajit Pal Singh
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