Mandya: At least two people were injured after bulls ran into a raging fire during the Makar Sankranti rituals in Mandya district on January 15. The injured individuals were promptly taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
A video shared by news agency PTI shows residents cheering as bulls are encouraged to jump through a massive fire. In one instance, a bull leaped through the flames and collided with a man on the road, causing him to lose consciousness. The chaotic scene, filled with cheering, captured the intensity of the ritual, which is widely practiced in Karnataka during Makar Sankranti.
This ritual, known as Kichchu Haisodu or Kichchu Haayisuvudu, involves bulls jumping over fire, followed by other animals such as cows, buffaloes, and sheep walking over the remaining embers. The practice is a traditional part of the Makar Sankranti celebrations but has raised concerns regarding the safety of both animals and participants.
The incident has prompted calls for greater regulation and safety measures during such traditional events to prevent injuries and ensure the well-being of both humans and animals.
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