Jalsa (traditional sport) explained

Jalsa is a traditional sport of bull racing associated with the Dhanni cattle breed in the Potohar region of Punjab, Pakistan.[1] [2]

Rules

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

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]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Roos and German win the Jalsa at Mela Karsal. Nabeel Anwar. Dhakku. September 13, 2014. Dawn.
  2. Web site: چکوال کی صدیوں پرانی روایتی بیل دوڑ. December 4, 2018. Voice of America.
  3. Web site: Chakwal’s oldest fair defies modernism. February 20, 2012. Dawn.