The Moichara, also known as the bull race, is a traditional sport in the north 24th Porgona region mostly held in Herobhanga village.
Herobhanga village is located in the Canning subdivision of the South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, India. The nearest railway station is Canning, which is approximately 14 kilometers away from Herobhanga.
In a little-known village in South Bengal, farmers are currently preparing for a cattle race to celebrate the arrival of the monsoon. Typically held in mid-June or early July, this event coincides with the start of cultivation season.
The bull race competition (Moichara) is not only a bull race, but it’s also a time of celebration for two days. The bull races attract photographers, and visitors from neighboring villages as well as cities, drawing a diverse crowd.
Usually, the owners of racing bulls come from out of Herobhanga village.
According to the local trainer, the bulls used in races are not used for farming or other tasks. They are well taken care of all year round, and the owners invest in the animals to the best of their abilities. The bulls are fed a special diet that includes seasonal fruits and jaggery and undergo regular training and exercises.
There is a game where one or two pairs of bulls race against each other. Typically, the bulls’ owners become the jockeys and the bulls are tied together using a piece of wood called Joyal, which allows them to run at the same time. The jockey stands on another piece of wood called Moi. It is the jockey’s job to maintain the bull’s speed, and those with more experience have a greater chance of winning the race.
As the sun sets on the horizon, the bull race has come to an end for the day. The prizes will be distributed tomorrow, following the judge’s recommendations.
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