Raging bulls: Farmers compete in traditional bull races

FEARLESS racers in Karnataka, India give a whole new meaning to the saying ‘grabbing the bull by the horns.’

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Farmers in the region have participated in the festival for centuries to celebrate a good harvest

The traditional annual Kambala races, which take place in Karnataka, south of India, see farmers from around the region compete to become the number one bull racer.

For centuries the Kambala races were a way for farmers to pay tribute to their Gods, giving thanks for their crops and a source of entertainment for locals.

Competitors either get dragged by the bulls or run along side them in the hopes of winning a cash prize

Taken by telecom engineer and part-time photographer, Anil Kumar, these powerful images show how much of an event these traditional races have become.

The bull racers consist of farmers who come from all around Karnataka to compete in the epic race

Anil said: “Thousands of people visited Karnataka and each stayed almost the full day or even the next at the venue. There were various stalls in place selling ice-cream, hot tea, coffee and snacks. It was like a festival atmosphere.”

The traditional festival is the main source of entertainment for the rural community in the area

Each race takes place on a muddy track - usually 145 metres long - and the farmers are pulled along by two bulls as they try to stay on their feet.

Kambala is one of the highlights of the year for locals and attracts thousands of tourists between November and March when the races take place.

Telecom engineer and part time photographer, Anil Kumar, took the powerful images of the traditional race

What first started out as a way to give thanks to a good harvest, Kambala has now become an organised sport with farmers from around the region competing for cash prizes.

Partcipants race on a muddy slush filled track that is 145 meters long

Anil said: “The race is the biggest sporting event among the common people living in the coastal part of south Karnataka. I was witnessing the race for the first time and it was certainly good entertainment for me.

The crowd at the festival is a mix of farmers and their families as well as tourists from around the world

The popularity of the event has gone global in recent years and sees a range of people coming to view the epic races.

Anil said: “Around 1500 to 2000 people were gathered at the event when I was shooting, most of the people were farmers and their families. I could see tourists in the venue."

The festival runs from November until March and attracts thousands from the area

He added: “The organisers and the participants were good people and would entertain me while shooting the event. It was a very good experience for me and I am looking for the upcoming event dates."