KALAPPOOTTU MALSARAM

KALAPPOOTTU MALSARAM, A THRILLING BULL RACING

Kalappoottu Malsaram is a thrilling ‘bull race’ event of Kerala. ‘Malsaram’ means competition in Malayalam Language. Bullocks and bullock cart races are considered as one of the traditional sports of India. This activity showcases the strength, liveliness and teamwork of bullocks and their jockeys as well. This ancient sport, is more popular in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, West Bengal and Odisha states though this is known in different names in these areas. The sport event also signifies the celebration of rural culture and tradition.

This is an amazing picture shot at the Kalappoottu conducted at Malampuzha area Palakkad — A Kalappoottu Malsaram image from Malampuzha Event Palakkad

ORIGIN, ROOTS & HISTORY

Kalappoottu has its roots in rural India. The Bullocks are an integral part of agricultural life. This sport activity is believed to have originated as a way to showcase the agility and speed of bullocks, as well as the skills of their handlers. The current legal status permits these specific bull races across the country, under strict vigilance, supervision and without any cruelty to the animals.

An image showing the preparations for making the bullocks ready for the race — Race Bullocks are ready

MALSARAM NUANCES

In Kalappoottu, two bullocks of the same types are tied to a wooden yoke. This is driven by a jockey. The bullocks need to cover a pre-determined distance, usually a few hundred meters, in the shortest time possible. They are trained to respond to the jockey’s orders, and the team that touches the finish line first wins the race.

One of the images shot at Tirur Kalappoottu Malsaram event — Kalappoottu at Tirur

The bullocks used in Kalappoottu are typically strong, agile, and well-trained. They are sometimes adorned with colourful knick-knacks and trinkets adding fun and frolic atmosphere to the event. The bullocks are always treated with great care reflecting the deep bond between humans and animals. The jockeys who are the real racers also known as “maistries,”. They are skilled handlers who have spent years of training and known for their dexterity. They use a combination of whips & voice commands. Also gentle prodding to guide the bullocks and wheedle them to run faster. The jockeys’ ‘voluntary fall’ at the end of the track into the mud pool in the track from the yoke pedal is always a noticeable moment. That is the point they leave free the bullocks from their clutches.

One of the wonderful pairs of heavy bulls driven by a well known Jockey ' Unniettan'. The image was shot at the "Kalappoottu Malsaram" conducted at Malampuzha,, Palakkad — An awesome entry in the Kalappoottu by the well known Jockey ‘Unniettan’

THE COMPETITION EVENTS

These events need certain amount of ground preparation. The sport activity is generally conducted immediately after the rainy season / harvest, but before the next sowing season. By this time, the large paddy fields are ploughed and supplied with enough water mixed with mud, which satisfies one of the basic requirements for the race as well as the tracks.
Kalappoottu Malsaram events are also held during festivals and fairs, attracting local crowds in large numbers. The atmosphere is always electric, with cheers all around, beating drums and trumpets, adding more colours to the high voltage excitement. The winning team is always bestowed with a rolling trophy, often goes with by cash awards and honours.

An amazing freezing moment shot at one of the Kalappoottu Malsarams — Kalappoottu – the speed

DIFFERENT NAMES BUT THE SAME ACTIVITY

Kalappoottu is known by different names in various regions. If it is known as Rekla Race in Tamil, it is known as Kambala in Karnataka Yedla Bandi Pandalu in Telengana and Moichara in far West-Bengal.

In Kerala, this event is mostly conducted in and around Palakkad District. More so, in Malampuzha, Kanjikode, Chidali Padam, Ahalia Nature Campus , Malappuram & Tirur centers. Incidentally, all these areas throw ample photographic opportunities for birds and nature photographers.

The event attracts hundreds of Street / Nature photographers and animal lovers across the country to shoot wonderful freezing moments of the race.

One of images shot at Kalappoottu Events conducted at Chidali Padam — Kalappoottu at Chidali

THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES

As with many other traditional sports, Kalappoottu Malsaram faces many challenges in the recent times. Though all out efforts are being made to promote and conserve this ancient sport with appropriate initiatives and supports from the Government agencies. However, few NGOs show their apprehensions from the angle of “Animal Harassments” to protect the welfare of the bullocks. However, the supporters always argue these sports as a symbol of farmers’ tradition, unity and prosperity. Nevertheless, the local government ensures conduct of these activities with sustainable and justifiable practices.

This is a freezing moment, where in the jockey is falling at the final lap of the race — The voluntary fall on the final lap of the race

Kalappoottu Malsaram is a unique and thrilling sport that display the rich cultural heritage. By encouraging and supporting this traditional sport, we can preserve our cultural roots and promote a deeper appreciation for local and rural traditions.

Bullocks at the final laps, in one of the competitions conducted at Ahalia Nature Campus — Kalappoottu at Ahalia Campus

As a concluding note, let us encourage this sporting event with all the importance it attaches and explore more ways to promote this, at the same time preserving the rich cultural and traditional values it has inherited.