Ryots demand racing event for the native breed at Raitha Dasara
Mysuru: Even as the District Administration is making preparations to introduce the coastal sport of Kambala (buffalo race) during Nada Habba Dasara at the direction of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, farmers have renewed their demand for a Hallikar bull exhibition and race at Raitha Dasara to help preserve the native breed.
The Hallikar is one of Karnataka’s best-known indigenous cattle breeds, traditionally reared in the old Mysuru region, including Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan and Tumakuru districts. The bulls are easily identified by their long, pointed horns that curve backwards.
The breed has a long history of royal patronage in the erstwhile Mysore State. Hallikar is also regarded as a foundation breed of South Indian cattle. However, the spread of hybrid breeds and changes in farming practices have raised concerns about its survival.
Farmer organisations, including the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, have urged the District Administration to organise a dedicated Hallikar bull exhibition and race as part of Raitha Dasara, giving it the same prominence as Kambala.
Nominal honorarium
At present, Raitha Dasara features only one or two pairs of Hallikar bulls in the procession from Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple to J.K. Grounds. Their owners are paid a nominal honorarium of a few thousand rupees before the animals are sent back. Farmers say this does little to recognise the owners’ efforts or promote the breed.
They argue that a dedicated exhibition and race would encourage the rearing of indigenous cattle, help conserve the breed and give farmers greater recognition. Hallikar bull exhibitions are already held at village fairs in several districts, including Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan, Tumakuru and Bengaluru Rural.
Memorandums have been submitted to the District Minister, Deputy Commissioner and Joint Director of Agriculture seeking a Hallikar competition alongside Kambala. Farmers contend that Dasara, which attracts lakhs of visitors, offers an ideal platform to showcase the breed and draw attention to the need for its conservation.
Conserving native breeds
Farmer groups have expressed disappointment over the Government’s spending of crores of rupees on Kambala while, they allege, indigenous cattle breeds have received little attention.
They have warned of protests if the Hallikar exhibition and race are not included in Raitha Dasara. They also plan to organise independent bull races after Dasara to protest what they describe as the Government’s stepmotherly treatment of native breeds.
“The District Administration must take action to preserve the Hallikar breed. Exhibitions and race competitions for Hallikar bulls should be organised. For the past three years, this demand has been neglected due to the indifference of elected representatives and officials,” said Hosakote Basavaraju, State Farmers’ Association Divisional Organising Secretary.
Hallikar bull pair expo, contest on Oct. 16, 17
A special exhibition of Hallikar breed bull pairs will be held as part of Dasara on Oct. 16 and Oct. 17 showcasing Karnataka’s agrarian heritage and traditional livestock practices.
The exhibition, on the lines of Raitha Dasara, will be held at the open ground in front of Mahabodhi Hostel near Kukkarahalli Lake in Saraswathipuram. Bull pairs from across the region are expected to take part.
Farmers and livestock owners can physically register their bull pairs for the event at the venue on Oct. 16. The pairs will be judged on strength, appearance and presentation. Single bulls and oxen will not be eligible. Only 60 bull pairs will be allowed to participate on a first-come, first-served basis.
All participating pairs will receive certificates, while prizes and trophies will be awarded to the best entries. Cattle suffering from diseases will not be allowed and preliminary veterinary services will be available at the venue.
Participants must bring the necessary cattle feed and other supplies. For details, contact Dr. B.S. Nanjesh, Chief Veterinary Officer, Department of Animal Husbandry on Mob: 99729-69248.
This post was published on October 12, 2026 7:30 pm