VISAKHAPATNAM: The normal bullock cart race occasions have become vacationer points of interest within the rural pockets in Andhra Pradesh throughout the pageant of Sankranti.
Like Moi Chara (bull race), a centuries previous custom within the villages of the South 24 Parganas in West Bengal throughout the monsoon, Yedla Bandi Pandalu (bullock cart race) within the rural pockets of Andhra Pradesh throughout the Sankranti and native deity festivals (January to March) nonetheless standard.

A couple of days earlier than the Sankranti pageant, the bullock cart races commenced in just a few elements of Anakapalle and Vizianagaram districts. The organizers of the occasions mentioned that Bullock Cart Races will start in elements of East Godavari, West Godavari, Nellore, Krishna, Guntur and some different districts on the primary day of (Bhogi) the Sankranti pageant and proceed until February.
The latest bullock cart race at Chukkapalli village underneath Cheedikada Mandal in Anakapalle district drew big crowds from all surrounding areas in addition to some children from Vizag metropolis.
Two bulls are first connected to a wood cart, that’s how the race will get its identify. Every cart is managed by two trainers and every cart should cowl the stipulated distance of two to 3km with in a while. The organizers of the occasion will determine the winners which covers the gap inside a couple of minutes or much less time than different carts.
For us, bullock cart races are a prestigious challenge. Although the prize cash for the race is low (Rs 20,000 and typically Rs 1 lakh), we all the time attempt to win within the race, mentioned Gandi Venkata Rao from Vepada in Vizianagaram district and Majji Devanand from Chukkapalli village in Anakapalle district. Each Venkata Rao and Devanand received many races in elements of the state and so they give at most care for his or her bullocks (every pair price over Rs 14 lakh)
The organizers mentioned that the bullock cart races will probably be held within the picturesque rural panorama. To keep away from overburdening and hurt to the taking part bullocks, now we have been taking particular measures. As per the norms, the cart drivers have been requested to not whip the animals and never resort to another harsh means. Violation of guidelines results in penalty factors and disqualification from the race, mentioned Koilada Mohan Rao from KJ Puram village underneath V Madugula Mandal in Anakapalle district.