This you won't see again...

Frequency · Dec 23, 2011

In India, especially in South India, Cattle Races were held as a part of annual post- harvest festivals. But this was the last year for this item, because Government has banned cattle races. This is as a part of preventing cruelties to animals; as a personal witness, i had seen the cattle being tormented at the time of race to make them run faster. The participants would bend their tail through 180 degree, beat them harshly and so on.....These images were posted earlier in this forum else where, but re-posting them under this context.

_MG_2371,small,fr by Flashback'r, on Flickr

_MG_2372,small,fr by Flashback'r, on Flickr

_MG_2379,small,fr by Flashback'r, on Flickr

_MG_2439,small,fr by Flashback'r, on Flickr

C&C as always

Regards

Desi · Dec 23, 2011

stunning photos.

Overread · Dec 23, 2011

Really like the 3rd shot!

A shame to read of the loss of the event, I recall seeing more of it before (I've a feeling it might have been your own shots from a previous year); though when areas of culture start to become cruel to the animals that take part then it is best that such practice is ended. I'm surprised they didn't try to simply put stronger laws/rules in place to prevent the abuse.

Frequency · Dec 23, 2011

Thank you Desi

Thank you Overread; yes, that was from me in "Photojournalism" section. Yes as a photography enthusiast i too am unhappy of the ban, but as a human being happy that those animals have not to suffer; of course, a healthy harmless way would have been a better choice, as you have pointed out

Regards

Hereindallas · Dec 23, 2011

Absolutely awesome images.

bazooka · Dec 23, 2011

Great shots Freq.

Frequency · Dec 23, 2011

Thank you Bazooka

KenC · Dec 27, 2011

Amazing shots, especially the second and fourth. I missed these the first time you posted them.

Frequency · Dec 27, 2011

Thank you KenC

Regards

invisible · Dec 27, 2011

Cool set indeed. My pick is #2. I agree with Overread about the decision to shut this down altogether instead of just putting stronger rules in place.

Norma · Dec 27, 2011

Awesome shots! Love the clarity and the water sprays! So glad they are banned now...how cruel for those poor animals!

CCericola · Dec 27, 2011

The content aside, the images are well photographed. I would like to see 3 in black and white. I do not think the sepia tone works.

Even though it is a "sport" that was invented by liquor and betting mafias and has no traditional background in India with farmers what-so-ever and the animals usually die after the races, I think it is important to document everything we can so we don't forget. The good and (in this case) the bad.