Mysuru, Oct. 12 -- Ryots demand racing event for the native breed at Raitha Dasara

Even as the District Administration is making preparations to introduce the coastal sport of Kambala (buffalo race) during Nada Habba Dasara at the direction of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, farmers have renewed their demand for a Hallikar bull exhibition and race at Raitha Dasara to help preserve the native breed.

The Hallikar is one of Karnataka's best-known indigenous cattle breeds, traditionally reared in the old Mysuru region, including Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan and Tumakuru districts. The bulls are easily identified by their long, pointed horns that curve backwards.

The breed has a long history of royal patronage in the erstwhile Mysore State. Halli...