People in Nepal’s Taruka village celebrates annual Bull Fighting with enthusiasm and tradition

Jan 16, 2024

Nuwakot (Nepal), Jan 16 (ANI): The annual bullfighting festival in Nepal’s Taruka Village is a long-standing tradition that takes place on the first day of Magh, the 10th month of the lunar calendar. The festival is also known as "Goru Judai" or bullfighting, and dates back to the 19th century. The festival accompanied by music and dance and is a way for villagers to greet and entertain the king. Turn by turn, the humpy bulls enter an arena controlled by experienced cattle rearers and fight for as long as 45 minutes to prove their strength. Surrounded by hundreds of revellers who shout and cheer in support, some of the bulls run off from the arena, while those standing till the end of the allocated time of 45 minutes are declared winners upon proving their strength. Nepal's Taruka in Nuwakot District, about 90 kilometres from the capital Kathmandu, has been organising the annual "Bull Fighting" or "Goru Judhai" festival with fanfare. This festival of taming bulls has a history that dates back to the 18th century. During the festival, a total of 17 bulls competed to secure the top position in the competition, thus proving their strength as well as the cash prize. Bull owners feed their bull with various cereals, rice flour, oils, and vitamins to increase stamina and tame their pet, making it eligible for fighting. Since the 19th century, this annual event has not only preserved traditional culture in the Himalayan nation with its vivid cultural diversities, but it has also contributed to the tourism development of the area.