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With locked horns
JAN 22 -
A sport most often associated with European nations, the bullfight has been a source of fascination and horror since the early days of its inception. While many countries in Latin America banned the sport soon after gaining independence, and the fights in Portugal are bloodless ones, in Spain, la corrida de toros continues to be a game of life and death.
A mere 80 kilometers outside Kathmandu, the village of Talukchandani in Nuwakot celebrates Maghesakranti in a truly unique way, as thousands of local and neighbouring villagers gather to witness the annual Sande Jodhai held to celebrate the end of winter and herald warmer times.
The tradition is believed to be several centuries old, with several differences from its European counterpart. In this case it is oxen, not bulls, that are fought and the animals fight each other, not people. Fights go on till one animal tires and gives up; they have never reached the point of death, only injury.
On the day, the entire village is in a mood to celebrate. Everyone gathers at the schools grounds, where the fight is held, in the early morning to find the best place to watch the fight from. Local politicians get busy, cashing in on the event by delivering political speeches , which most spectators are the least intersted in listening to.
Farmers prepare the oxen for the fight by feeding them mustard oil, eggs, and rice for weeks beforehand. It is not unknown for some owners to give their animals a drop of two of liquor to rev them up for what lies ahead. The fights are timed for 40 minutes, but there have been cases of fights being called off five minutes after they started. If the game goes on for more than 45 minutes, volunteers are called upon to separate the animals and a draw is called; locals say, however, that this has never happened.
In ancient times, the owner of winning ox used to take the loser’s ox as a trophy. Nowadays, the owner of the winning ox gets Rs 400 as prize money fron the Village Development Committee. And for those game to taking more risks, betting is the best way to make a fast buck. Stakes go up as high as Rs. 1,000 for the many who take this fight very seriously.
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