The scene seems to have been lifted straight from the Oscar winning release Ben Hur. The difference being--that was reel and this is real. And yes, the protagonists too are changed. Instead of the horses, it's the bullocks, the chariots gives way to the bullock carts and the celebrated charioteers is replaced by the ordinary jockeys, but the race is as exhilarating and engrossing as the climax of William Wyler 1959 classic.

And this is one of the many thrilling sporting extravaganzas testing the human corporal endurance, which are on display to the thousands of spectators who throng the Kila Raipur village ( Ludhiana) from all over the region during the three-day sporting delight, also know as the Rural Olympics.

The Kila Raipur Games, organised by the Grewal Sports Association, are now world famous. The three-day festival usually scheduled in the month of February, showcases the spirit of Punjab--the land of grime guts and glory.

The Games are a wonderful mixture of sporting disciplines with other uncommon pursuits which is nothing less than a carnival. A bullock cart race, tent pegging, Nihangs galloping on two horses at the same time, a tractor with loaded with number of people rolling over a braveheart, a man running with a 50 kg plough held between his teeth. It's an unusual display of daredevilry. Unbelievable but amazing indeed! And add to it the sporting delights like the track and field events, cycle races, hockey and the crowd pulling events like tug-of-war and kabaddi, it make the festival spectacular and delightful to the eyes. Here age hardly matters. An 80-year-old is as passionate as an 18-year-old and they test their talent on equal footing. It is not only about winning but the pleasure of participating.

In the evening each day, the spectators are subjected to the visual treat of the folk dancers and singers. They stay back for the recreational programmes in store for them. Top notch folk singers, bhangra and gidha artistes entertain the crowd well past midnight.

It's here that one gets to see all at one go and mind you, with no cost incurred.

Speaking about fanfare, Sukhvir Singh Grewal, chief organizer of the committee said that the rural sports helped in keeping the culture and tradition alive. "It also encourages youngsters to take to sports. The main purpose is to keep the traditional events alive. Through recreational programmes, we want to show the culture of Punjab to the world. And we also want to show these sports to the youngsters, so that they take to sports. Sports are very important part of our lives and we want people should take to sports," he emphasised.

"Our effort has also been to blend the traditional with the modern. Way back in the early 1930s when we introduced Bhagwant Gold Cup Hockey Tournament, stars like the hockey wizard Dhyan Chand came to Kila Raipur. Many Olympians have been a part of the games. Modern sports like shooting, wrestling on synthetic mats, track and field events, hockey and cycling have become an integral part of our Rural Olympics," he added.

“In over seven decades the festival has grown from a toddler to a prancing, energetic youthful organisation. This pioneer rural sports festival has become an annual international event, which is normally held in the first weekend of February. The association has received 3000 entries from different regions for different events in different age categories,” he said, adding that the prize money this year is Rs 15 lakh.

“Time to time we are provided with funds for the infrastructural development by the government, but mainly it is our sponsors who provide us with the funds to organise such a massive event” added the Chief Organiser.

Games, an example of voluntary effort

Apart from the unusual display daredevilry, there is another uniqueness associated with the Kila Raipur Games. It's an example of community service and the whole of mega affair is being organised through voluntary effort where the villagers come up with material and money to make this festival a success.

The Games are organised through a combined effort of the organisers and the village people. Contributions range from money to small items like milk, ghee, vegetables, pulses, atta, rice or even fuel for the community kitchen, which is run round the clock.

According to chief organiser Sukhvir Grewal, "The actual budget can be anywhere around four to five times the money spent by the organising committee. But the effort and consideration of the villagers help us in running the Games smoothly year after year. Villagers seldom seek any financial or administrative support for holding these games. Langar is operational during these three days and food is served to participants and spectators alike."

Villagers not only donate material and money, but also come up with their physical presence to prepare food for the langar, which saves us a lot of cost. "Of late financial help has starting pouring in from non-resident Indians who make it a point to be in Punjab during the melas in their areas," adds Grewal.

Pics: Courtesy Rural Olympics website

By Akshi Aggarwal