Mandya: A two-year-old Hallikar breed bull named “Jaguar” from Srinivasa Agrahara village, Srirangapatna taluk, has made headlines by being sold for a record- price of Rs 9.26 lakh on Wednesday. The buyer, Sirivai Thambi, hails from Tamil Nadu and is well-known for his passion for bullock cart racing.
The Hallikar bull breed is rare in the region, and a bull of this breed had fetched only Rs 1 lakh a year ago. However, for Naveen, a farmer from the village, raising bulls for the bullock cart race has been a cherished passion. Naveen bought the two-year-old calf a year ago for Rs 1.26 lakh, and he nurtured and trained it with great care, treating it like a beloved member of his family. He named the bull “Jaguar” and soon, the bull’s talent and prowess in the races began to gain recognition.
Over the past year, Jaguar participated in numerous bullock cart races, not only within the state but also in Tamil Nadu, and emerged victorious in many of them. Its impressive track record garnered a lot of fame, even earning it a hat-trick victory in the neighboring state by defeating 200 to 300 other bullock carts.
As Jaguar’s fame spread, word reached Sirivai Thambi, a prominent bullock cart racing enthusiast in Tamil Nadu, who was keen on acquiring the bull. Sirivai Thambi expressed his desire to buy Jaguar, and despite initial hesitation, Naveen eventually agreed to sell it for the significant sum of Rs 9 lakh.
On the day of the sale, the village gathered to witness the momentous occasion. In the presence of the villagers, Sirivai Thambi handed over the entire amount in exchange for Jaguar. The event was marked by celebrations, with firecrackers and sweets being distributed as a gesture of gratitude and love for the bull.
Sirivai Thambi already owns 50 bulls like Jaguar, and with this new addition, he aims to continue his successful streak in bullock cart racing.
For Naveen, bidding farewell to Jaguar was undoubtedly an emotional moment. He had raised the bull with immense affection, and its exceptional performance in races had brought him joy and pride. Nonetheless, he felt content knowing that Jaguar would continue to participate in races and earn acclaim in the hands of a fellow enthusiast like Sirivai Thambi.
As the majestic Hallikar bull embarks on its journey to Tamil Nadu, its legacy will live on, leaving a lasting impression on the minds of both the villagers and admirers of the revered sport of bullock cart racing.
