Pimpalgaon’s Shankarpat: 100 years of excitement, tradition and bonding

Nagpur: Pimpalgaon, an otherwise quaint village in Bhandara district, comes alive with frenzied cheering and animated shouts by villagers on Vasant Panchami when it holds the traditional Shankarpat — the bullock cart race. The village transforms into a pulsating hub of excitement and the ground reverberates due to the ecstatic roars of over one lakh spectators who had gathered here from across central India to witness the historic event which turned 100 years this year.
The grand finale on February 6 was a spectacle to behold with pairs of bulls thundering down the 416-metre track, kicking up clouds of dust, and their owners cheering them on with unbridled passion.
What began in 1920 as a humble celebration by Chintamanrao Gharpure Patil, the malgujar (landlord) of Pimpalgaon, turned into a cultural phenomenon that draws participants and spectators from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and beyond. For the people of Pimpalgaon and neighbouring villages, Shankarpat is not just a bull race…it is a festival, a social gathering, and a testament to their shared heritage.
Shankarpat presents a unique blend of tradition, sport, and community camaraderie. "Not a single bull was injured, nor did any human sustained injuries during the event," Abhijit Gharpure, the great-grandson of Chintamanrao Gharpure Patil, boasted with immense pride. The owners, he emphasised, love their bulls deeply and take exceptional care of them.
This year's winning pair, Dungariya and Shera, owned by Azin Patel from Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, was a testament to this bond. Their victory earned Patel a brand-new tractor, a fitting reward for his dedication.
The 416-metre racetrack was a battleground of speed, strength, and strategy. Hundreds of pairs of bulls competed, each representing the pride and hard work of their owners. The atmosphere was electric, with spectators cheering, beating of drums, and the air filled with the aroma of traditional Maharashtrian delicacies from the bustling makeshift bazaar set up for the occasion.
Shankarpat is more than just a race…it is a celebration of community and culture, said Pimpalgaon sarpanch Shyambhau Shivankar. "This event is a symbol of unity. People from 10 neighbouring villages come together, and guests from these villages are treated as our own," he said. The festival also serves as a platform for social and economic interactions, from matchmaking to fostering business relationships. It is a time when the village comes alive with cultural programmes, traditional music, and dance, creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.
President of the event's organising committee Sunilbhau Punde highlighted the social and cultural significance of Shankarpat. "This event is not just about entertainment. It is about preserving our heritage, strengthening community bonds, and promoting an ideal village life free from caste and religious divides," he said. The centenary year celebration was a grand affair, with dignitaries like Congress state president Nana Patole, NCP (Ajit) executive president Praful Patel, and BJP MLC Parinay Fuke in attendance.
The journey of Shankarpat has not been without challenges. The event faced a five-year pause due to the Supreme Court's ban on bull races, and Covid-19 pandemic also disrupted its continuity. Yet, the spirit of Shankarpat endured. Over the years, the event celebrated milestones like Silver Jubilee (1944), Golden Jubilee (1969), and Amrit Mahotsav (1994). The centenary edition this year, however, was the crowning moment.
As the dust settled and victorious bulls stood tall, one thing was certain — the spirit of Shankarpat would gallop forward into the next century, carrying with it the pride, legacy, and unwavering commitment of Pimpalgaon and its people.