Nepali villagers strive to preserve age-old Bull-Fight tradition

Jan 18, 2026

Nuwakot (Nepal), Jan 18 (ANI): In an arena nestled on the slopes of the hills, bulls fight to show strength and for recognition. This age-old tradition in the Himalayan Nation is slowly fading, with bulls becoming more expensive and rarer even in villages. The annual bull festival, which began over two centuries ago, continues to draw hundreds of revellers from across the nation despite the declining number of participating humpy bulls. In 2025, a total of 16 pairs of bulls were taken into this very arena; this year, it has dropped to 13 as the annual bull fight commences in mid-January. This annually held, over two centuries old tradition is still continued and maintained by the villagers in their own effort. Bull owners in the area are few but deeply committed, caring for their bulls year-round and presenting them in fights to display their strength and endurance. Bullfighting in Taruka, Nuwakot District of Nepal, dates back to 1887 B.S., when it was introduced by then Prince of Bajhang, Jay Prithivi Bahadur Singh, during a visit to his maternal uncle’s home. Since then, the tradition has been preserved by the villagers of Taruka, who are widely known for this cultural practice. Continued for ages, this annual event not only has preserved traditional culture in the Himalayan nation with vivid cultural diversities, but it also has been contributing for tourism development of the area.