Jalsa (traditional sport)
Jalsa is a traditional sport of bull racing associated with the Dhanni cattle breed in the Potohar region of Punjab, Pakistan.[1][2]
Rules[edit]
Jalsa features a specific form of bull race, where a pair of bulls is harnessed to a panjali (yoke), and a karah (wooden plank) is tied behind them.[1][3] The event involves six individuals: three controlling the bulls and three placing and pressing the karah into soft ground, thus increasing the load the bulls carry.[1][3] The challenge for the bulls is to maintain speed and steadiness under this burden.[3] The winner is determined by the crowd, based on the bull's performance, rather than by an official umpire.[1][3]
Event[edit]
The event operates without formal governmental oversight or the presence of police or emergency services.[3] Crowd control is managed by the event organizers, who initially request cooperation from disruptive attendees and may resort to throwing dust as a form of non-violent deterrent if necessary.[3]
Jalsa is a long-standing tradition in Chakwal, continuing to be held despite the influence of modern cultural changes in the region.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d Dhakku, Nabeel Anwar (September 13, 2014). "Roos and German win the Jalsa at Mela Karsal". Dawn.
- ^ "چکوال کی صدیوں پرانی روایتی بیل دوڑ". December 4, 2018 – via Voice of America.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Chakwal's oldest fair defies modernism". Dawn. February 20, 2012.