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News18
29-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Bullock cart races represent glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab: CM Mann
Agency: Last Updated: July 29, 2025, 19:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Ludhiana, Jul 29 (PTI) Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the bullock cart races are not just a source of entertainment but represent the glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab. He said that such races have been held in Punjab since ancient times and served as a living connection to our traditions and cultural identity. Mann, according to an official statement, said that Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev also practiced farming with bullocks during his time in Kartarpur Sahib. The chief minister said that the ban earlier on bullock cart races had not only disheartened lovers of traditional sports but also dealt a blow to our heritage. Addressing a gathering in Mehma Singh Wala village in this district, Mann said that there had been growing demand from Punjabis to bring a new law so that these traditional games can be revived. Mann said the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2025 was unanimously passed in the state assembly on July 11. The chief minister said this law will not only help in preserving indigenous animal breeds in Punjab but also pave the way for resuming bullock cart races. He said this law now awaits the consent of the President of India. Speaking about the new legislation, Mann explained its primary objective is to ensure safety measures for animals participating in sports, including veterinary supervision, safety standards, registration and documentation, and penalties for violations, so that no cruelty is inflicted upon voiceless animals. The chief minister also announced that his government will explore possibilities of reviving pigeon flying competitions as well. After the Bill was unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly earlier this month, Mann had called it a 'historic" day and said the bullock cart races will now resume in the entire state. It allows the resumption of bullock cart races in Punjab besides ensuring safety measures for animals taking part in sports. Bullock cart race had not been taking place at Kila Raipur Sports Festival in Ludhiana district, popularly known as 'mini or rural Olympics'. In 2014, the Supreme Court had banned these sports for being violative of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. 'Considering the important role played by Bullock Cart Racing towards promoting the spirit of games and sports, and enriching the cultural heritage and tradition in the State of Punjab, which is also a great source to keep the Punjab's youth away from drug addiction and also to improve indigenous cattle breeds of Punjab, the government of Punjab has decided to exempt the conduct of Bullock Cart Racing in Punjab from the provision of the said Central Act 59 of 1960," according to the Bill passed by the Punjab Assembly. Meanwhile, Mann while referring to the sports festival held at Kila Raipur village said the games, which began in 1933, are popularly known as 'Mini Olympics" or 'Rural Olympics". Thanking the public for their overwhelming support in the government's war against drugs, the chief minister emphasized that drug abuse is not limited to one house or district, but it affects the entire state. Swipe Left For Next Video View all Talking about irrigation, Mann said only 21 per cent of agricultural land across the state was irrigated using canal water that when he assumed office, but that figure has today increased to 63 per cent. The canal and river water is reaching the tail end villages of the state for the first time in history due to the government's effective efforts, he added. PTI SUN AS AS (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments News agency-feeds Bullock cart races represent glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab: CM Mann Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Read More
Hindustan Times
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
CM Mann to flag off bullock cart race at mega Ludhiana event
Chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will formally relaunch traditional bullock cart races in the state on Tuesday. The grand event will be held at the football stadium in Mehma Singh Wala village, located in the Gill constituency of Ludhiana. This will mark the beginning of a new era for one of Punjab's oldest sporting traditions, once a staple of rural life and fairs across the state. Chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will formally relaunch traditional bullock cart races in the state on Tuesday. The grand event will be held at the football stadium in Mehma Singh Wala village, located in the Gill constituency of Ludhiana. (HT File) The much-anticipated event follows the passage of the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act and the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Bullock Cart Race) Rules, 2025. These legislative changes have cleared the legal hurdles that had halted bullock cart races for years. On Monday, MLA Jiwan Singh Sangowal and Baltej Pannu, chief spokesperson of the Nasha Mukti Morcha, visited the venue to review preparations. They described the upcoming event as a celebration of Punjab's cultural roots and expressed gratitude to chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for restoring the pride of traditional rural sports. 'This is a historic moment for Punjab. The CM has not only revived a cherished tradition but also shown his connection with the people and culture of the state,' said Pannu, adding that Mann will also hold an interaction with participants and enthusiasts of bullock cart racing during the event. The district administration, under the supervision of senior officials, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure smooth conduct of the event. Thousands are expected to attend the event, which will feature races, traditional performances, and cultural displays. The Punjab Vidhan Sabha had passed the amendment bill earlier this year, after which President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on February 27. With this, Punjab joined a select list of states that have legislated for the revival of such traditional sports under regulated conditions. With the return of bullock cart racing, the state aims to strike a balance between tradition and regulation, giving rural youth an opportunity to reconnect with their roots while ensuring animal welfare norms are strictly followed.
Time of India
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
City gears up to thank CM Mann for reviving bullock cart race in Pb
Ludhiana: MLA Jiwan Singh Sangowal and chief spokesperson for the Nasha Mukti Morcha, Baltej Pannu, Monday reviewed preparations for an event to thank CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for reviving traditional bullock cart races in Punjab. It will be held at Mehma Singh Wala Football Stadium on Tuesday (July 29) and presided over by the CM. As per an official statement, the event follows the state govt's approval of the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act and the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Bullock Cart Race) Rules, 2025, paving the way for the resumption of bullock cart racing in the state. "It is a historic step taken by the Punjab govt," Sangowal and Pannu said, adding that the CM will also hold deliberations with those engaged in bullock cart races at the event. An official in the district administration said it is a thanksgiving function and bullock cart races are not expected at the venue. The district administration will ensure meticulous arrangements to make the event a success, celebrating the cultural significance of bullock cart races in Punjab. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included ADC Amarjit Bains, SDMs Jasleen Kaur Bhullar, Upinderjeet Kaur Brar, and others.
Indian Express
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Bill on resuming bullock cart races passed unanimously; ‘historic': Punjab CM Mann
The draft of the ant-sacrilege Bill was not tabled in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Friday, despite an assurance from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann a day earlier, even as the House passed the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025, paving way for the resumption of bullock cart racing in the state. The government, however, extended the duration of the two-day special session by two more days amid speculations that it may table the Bill then. This, however, evoked a strong reaction from Sarb Dharam Beadbi Rokko Kanoon Morcha, an organisation whose activist Gurjeet Singh Khalsa has been protesting atop a 400-ft telecom tower for the last over 270 days demanding a law on sacrilege. It was following a meeting with the Morcha on June 28 that Mann had announced that his government would bring a law for stricter punishment for sacrilege acts. Morcha convenor Gurpreet Singh questioned the urgency behind passing the Bill providing for resumption of bullock cart races in the state. 'The bullock cart races are more important for the government than the life of a Sikh, who has been protesting atop a 400-feet tower for over 270 days,' he said. Gurpreet said after listening to Mann on Thursday, the Morcha had planned to get Khalsa down from the tower. 'But the Bill was not tabled. Khalsa's condition has worsened. He is lying unconscious since morning. A youth, who had climbed up to meet him in the morning, reported that he is in a bad shape. We are now sending a lab technician up to get his tests done. It is unfortunate that he will be able to suffer for four more days…' 'The special session was called for the anti-sacrilege Bill. They should have tabled it,' said Gurpreet. On Thursday, Mann had said that the draft of the Bill will be tabled in the Assembly on Friday following which it would be handed over to the consultative committee of the Vidhan Sabha. Meanwhile, on Friday, Mann termed as 'historic' the passage of the Bill that allows the resumption of bullock cart races in Punjab while implementing safety measures for the animals involved in the sport. Bullock cart races have not taken place at the Kila Raipur Sports Festival in Ludhiana district— often referred to as the 'mini or rural Olympics'— since a Supreme Court ruling in 2014 banned the races for violating the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960. 'Considering the important role played by bullock cart racing towards promoting the spirit of games and sports, and enriching the cultural heritage and tradition in the state of Punjab, which is also a great source to keep Punjab's youth away from drug addiction and also to improve indigenous cattle breeds of Punjab, the government of Punjab has decided to exempt the conduct of bullock cart racing in Punjab from the provision of the said Central Act 59 of 1960,' an official order read. Therefore, the government has decided to amend the said Central Act 59 of 1960 in its application to the State of Punjab. Accordingly, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2025, is being passed, it further added. Sharing positive aspects about the race, Mann said cattle have been integral parts of the agrarian economy of the state, and the Punjabi farmers have raised them as their offspring for ages. Those who keep bullocks consider them as their 'own sons', he said. 'We have included a clause in the bill stating that bullock cart operators will not be allowed to carry sticks during races,' he added. The chief minister also announced that races would not only take place in Kila Raipur but also across the state, emphasising that these rural games are an essential part of Punjab's cultural fabric. He stressed that the bill aims to promote rural sports like bullock cart racing while ensuring the welfare of the animals involved.
