Camara	EOS R
Category	Heritage
Date	2024
Skills	Photography

Kalapoott, also known as bull racing, is a traditional rural sport deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Malabar, the northern region of Kerala, India. Conducted mainly in the paddy fields after harvest, Kalapoott is not merely a race but a celebration of agrarian life, community spirit, and the age-old bond between humans and their cattle.

Through this photography project, I aim to document the raw energy, intensity, and the festive mood that surrounds a Kalapoott event. Each frame captures the speed of the charging bulls, the excitement of the handlers running barefoot through slushy fields, and the cheering crowds that gather to witness this unique spectacle.

This project is my tribute to a living tradition that reflects the resilience and vibrancy of Malabar’s rural communities. It highlights not only the adrenaline of the race but also the unseen moments — the preparation of the bulls, the village elders guiding the rituals, and the local people whose lives revolve around this cultural festivity.

By freezing these fleeting moments, I hope to preserve and share the spirit of Kalapoott with a wider audience, reminding us of the importance of sustaining our intangible cultural heritage in a rapidly modernizing world.

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Mubashir_Ahmet