Chikhali Gutta is a well-known rural tradition celebrated in Western Maharashtra. This high-energy event takes place at the end of the monsoon season, once the rice harvesting is completed. It is a community-driven festival where villagers come together to witness and participate in a muddy bull race, showcasing their bulls’ strength, speed, and agility.
The race features a special breed of bull called Khillari, known for its exceptional power and endurance. Khillari bulls are muscular, fast, and naturally adapted for running in muddy fields, making them the ideal choice for this competition. The race is conducted on a 100-meter-long mud track prepared by flooding the field with water, ensuring a soft and slippery surface. This makes the race even more challenging, as bulls must navigate through thick, wet mud while maintaining their speed.
Before the race starts, each rider walks their bulls along the track, allowing them to get familiar with the course. This helps the bulls align themselves properly and focus on their path. Once ready, the race begins, and the bulls sprint forward with immense force, kicking up mud as they charge toward the finish line. The competition is fierce, and the fastest bull to complete the track wins the race. The winners are awarded a traditional shield (shilead), along with gold and cash prizes, making the event not just a matter of pride but also a rewarding experience for the participants.
As a photographer, I wanted to capture the intensity of this race from the best possible angle. I positioned myself at the finish line, hoping to get a perfectly symmetrical shot of the bulls and their riders as they approached. However, as the race unfolded, I found myself in a tense situation. The bulls, charging at full speed, ran straight toward me with incredible force. For a moment, it felt like they would trample me, but I managed to dodge them just in time. It was a heart-pounding experience, but it also reminded me why capturing such events is so thrilling—every shot comes with its own risks and rewards.
Chikhali Gutta is more than just a race; it is a celebration of rural sportsmanship, tradition, and community spirit. The event reflects the deep connection between farmers and their bulls, highlighting their dedication to preserving this age-old tradition. For spectators, it’s an electrifying experience, filled with excitement, adrenaline, and cultural pride. For photographers like me, it’s an opportunity to capture the raw energy and emotion of this incredible event—one that truly defines the spirit of rural Maharashtra.
