Shikaripura Gears Up for Exciting "Hori Habba" Festival with Enhanced Safety Measures

As Diwali approaches, the town of Shikaripura and its surrounding villages are bustling with preparations for the eagerly anticipated “Hori Habba,” a thrilling bull-taming festival that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region. Organisers are implementing comprehensive safety measures to ensure the well-being of both participants and spectators, with the goal of preventing any incidents during the event.

This annual festival draws large crowds from nearby districts, who look forward to the exhilarating bull-taming competitions that will unfold across various villages for two months following the event. Bull owners from different regions, including neighbouring Tamil Nadu, bring their prized bulls to compete, with some animals fetching high prices due to their impressive performances. Enthusiasts are known to invest significant amounts, sometimes in lakhs, to ensure their bulls receive the best care and nutrition.

The bulls participating in “Hori Habba” are adorned with colourful garlands, balloons, ankle bells, and other decorations, creating a vibrant spectacle. As the competition heats up, bull owners passionately chant, “Hako Kaiyya, Mutto Maiyya,” while running alongside their animals, fostering a spirited atmosphere. Many owners give their bulls names inspired by deities or popular movie characters, and actively promote them on social media, sharing captivating images and video clips to garner attention and excitement.

Given the event’s popularity, safety is a paramount concern this year. Organisers have set up wooden barricades around the festival grounds to protect spectators, and ambulances will be stationed nearby to address any medical emergencies promptly. In response to previous incidents, public opinion has pushed for stricter safety protocols, including restricting participation to only running bulls and banning more aggressive animals to mitigate the risk of injuries.

“This bull-taming festival is deeply rooted in our rural heritage and symbolizes the essence of our folk culture,” says Shivraj, an enthusiastic supporter of Hori Habba. He emphasises that for many farmers, this event represents an opportunity to uphold cherished cultural traditions and community spirit.

Shimoga Rural Division DSP R.R. Patil has assured the public that robust safety measures will be enforced this year. “Last year, some festivals experienced unfortunate accidents, and legal action was taken against organisers who did not adhere to safety guidelines,” he stated. This year, the authorities have limited events to traditional bull-running contests, requiring district administration approval for any bull-taming activities to ensure compliance with safety standards.

As Shikaripura prepares for “Hori Habba,” the festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of local culture, coupled with a commitment to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all involved. With strong community support and enhanced safety measures in place, this year’s festival is poised to be a memorable event.