A pair of bulls race across a waterlogged rice paddy while their guides grip a harness or tail, sliding through the mud. It is also known as 'Pothottam' & 'Kalapootu' in Malayalam.
Image credits: Arun Kadakkal
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Bull surfing
The freshly ploughed fields are filled with muddy water that splashes as the bulls race forward, guided by their guides.
Image credits: Arun Kadakkal
English
Preparation of the field
After farming, the field is ploughed, the water flow is controlled and the garbage is removed and cleaned.
Image credits: Arun Kadakkal
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How many persons manage the bull?
A pair of oxen is managed by a team of three, forming a participating unit. Around 30 such units compete in the race, which begins at noon & continues until dusk.
Image credits: Arun Kadakkal
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Trained surfers
The bulls are specifically fed and trained for this competition, and the participants, or "surfers," are also well-trained in the sport.
Image credits: Arun Kadakkal
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Bulls brought from other states
There is a custom of bringing bulls from other states for a price of gold to participate in the Bull Surfing.
Image credits: Arun Kadakkal
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Prizes
Winners of the competition will receive several prizes including a cash award. The bull surfing is held in Pathanamthitta, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts.