Rock-pulling race commences at Markapuram

Ongole: The three-day exhibition and rock pulling race of Ongole bulls from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana started at Markapuram from Friday.

As part of the Srilakshmi Chennakesava Swami Brahmotsavams, former MLA Kandula Narayana Reddy and municipal chairman Vakkalagadda Radhika Mallikharjuna inaugurated the race and exhibition amid much fanfare and cheers of participants.

In his inaugural speech, Narayana Reddy thanked each and everyone for their cooperation in organising the massive exhibition of cattle and their strength. He said that it was a moment of pride for the farmers to participate in the race with their Ongole bulls. He announced that the competition was being organised with a budget of Rs 10 lakh and about 100 pairs of bulls were participating in the race. 

He said that lunch arrangements were made for the farmers who were gathering to witness the race for the three days and asked them to encourage the bulls to show their full strength.