For over 90 years, the Kila Raipur rural festival known for its sportsmanship, cultural heritage, and hospitality has been a global spectacle. Located approximately 20 km from Ludhiana, the three-day event held in Kila Raipur village celebrates rural sports, showcasing not only physical strength and endurance but also the farmers' affection for animals and tools.
Last year marked the triumphant return of the festival after a four-year hiatus due to COVID-19 regulations, weather uncertainties, and a legal dispute over the venue's ownership. While the turnout of over one lakh visitors was impressive, it fell short of the festival's glory days.
Preparations are underway for this year's event scheduled tentatively for February 12, with the Punjab Government allocating a grant of Rs 2 crore.
The Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has included the festival in its annual calendar. Beyond traditional sports, the 'Rural Olympics' has been known for conveying powerful social messages. In a bid to promote inclusivity and gender equality, this year's organizers plan to introduce a race for males, females, and transgenders. Last year, a unique relay race was organized to raise awareness about women's health, where teams passed sanitary pads instead of batons.
The Convener of the 2024 event, Ludhiana Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, has submitted the plan to Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Anmol Gagan Maan. The venue is bustling with activity as artisans renovate the arena and its surroundings.
Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer emphasizes the integral role of the Kila Raipur games in the region's culture and heritage. Maan adds that the government is dedicated to revitalizing, showcasing, and preserving the state's vibrant culture, tradition, and heritage by supporting such events.
Various sporting events, including hockey, kabaddi, tyre races, tug of war, and a range of athletic events for all age groups, will be held, according to Col Surinder Singh, an office-bearer of Kila Raipur Sports Society, Suhavia Patti. The festival will also feature performances showcasing Punjab's traditional activities and cultural concerts during the day and evening. However, some iconic events, such as the bullock cart race, dog race, and equestrian events, have been discontinued since 2014.
The games have been a launch pad for several national and international sportspersons, drawing Olympians and sports icons over the years. The festival has championed gender equality and women empowerment, encouraging participation in athletics, kabaddi, and hockey.
Notable events like the hockey tournament, featuring a trophy made of 1 kg pure gold, continue to be popular. The games also have a special attraction for NRIs, Punjabis across India, and even foreign visitors and mediapersons.
The festival not only provides employment opportunities but also boosts local businesses. It attracts interest from automobile, tractor, and agricultural tool companies looking to engage with the rural audience. The inclusivity and diversity of participants are striking, encompassing various age groups and featuring unique games such as loading and unloading 50-kg sacks, slow cycle races, and a tricycle race for the differently-abled.
Despite facing challenges and controversies over the years, the Kila Raipur rural festival remains a testament to the enduring spirit of rural sportsmanship, cultural heritage, and communal unity.
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