No roar on the muddy track as Maramadi, Kerala’s bull surfing contest, misses another year

No roar on the muddy track as Maramadi, Kerala’s bull surfing contest, misses another year The annual Maramadi, or bull surfing contest, held in Anandappally near Adoor in Pathanamthitta, has once again been postponed, marking the 14th consecutive year it has failed to take place. Traditionally staged immediately after the harvest season, the event, once a vibrant symbol of rural culture and agricultural pride, remains absent from the Palassery polders this year. Organisers confirmed that the lack of legal clarity surrounding the event continues to prevent its revival. The Maramadi, which involves pairs of bulls yoked to wooden planks racing down a 100-metre muddy track while riders cling to the planks, was historically a highlight of Independence Day celebrations in the region. Farmers, cattle and spectators gathered to witness the spectacle, which combined sport, tradition and community. However, the event has faced increasing challenges in recent years, particularly following national-level bans on animal-based contests. The Anandappally Karshaka Samithi (AKS), the organisation responsible for organising the Maramadi, stated that the primary obstacle remains a pending legal issue. During the last term of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, the Kerala Assembly passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Kerala Amendment) Bill, aimed at protecting traditional cattle races such as Maramadi. This law followed similar exemptions granted in Tamil Nadu for Jallikattu and Karnataka for Kambala. Despite these legislative steps, the AKS noted that the necessary procedural requirements have yet to be fulfilled, leaving the status of the bill unclear. Varghese Daniel, president of the AKS, explained that attempts to confirm the bill's progress have yielded no results. He added that they had once again sought clarification from Adoor MLA C.V. Santhakumar, who has not provided definitive information. “In any case, the event is not going to be held this year either,” Daniel said. Maramadi has deep roots in the agricultural heritage of Anandappally, dating back to 1950 when the first race took place at Puthuveettilppadi Ela in Adoor as part of Independence Day festivities. The event later moved to Ambiyil Ela and, in 1986, to the larger Palassery Ela. At its height, the race attracted more than 60 bull pairs from eight districts and thousands of spectators, including international visitors. Bulls were often sourced from Tamil Nadu and underwent extensive training and care by farmers, at considerable personal cost. However, the event fell into disuse after the central government imposed a nationwide ban on such contests in 2008, citing concerns over animal welfare during the Jallikattu controversy. Despite persistent efforts by local organisers, the 60th edition of Maramadi was allowed to proceed in 2012. Yet, following that year, the event could not be revived due to ongoing legal uncertainties. The AKS has now called upon the current United Democratic Front (UDF) government to resolve these issues and enable the return of the traditional race. Until then, the muddy track at Palassery Ela remains quiet, awaiting the return of the thundering hooves and the familiar cheers of the crowd. The absence of Maramadi underscores the complex interplay between cultural preservation and modern regulatory frameworks, leaving the future of this cherished tradition uncertain.