Is Sangli Hosting India’s Largest Bullock-Cart Race with a Thar for the Winner?

Organisers in Sangli are planning a massive bullock-cart race, offering high-value prizes including Fortuner/Thar vehicles and tractors — raising questions about scale and regulation.

Sangli | 04 November ,2025: Sangli district is gearing up for what organisers claim will be one of the biggest bullock-cart races in India the Rustam-e-Hind competition at Bhalwani / Bhālvaṇi near Taṣgaon.

The event, backed by Chandrahar Patil’s youth foundation (Double Maharashtra Kesari), promises extravagant prizes: the winner is set to receive a Mahindra Thar vehicle.

More than 200 bullock-cart teams are expected to take part, making this race stand out by both scale and prize value.

Organisers say the aim is not only the competition but also community gathering and cultural celebration. This includes side attractions like donation drives, ancillary events, and drawing participants from various parts of Maharashtra and neighbouring areas.

Still, the plan has raised a few concerns. Bullock-cart races have faced legal scrutiny in recent years  for animal welfare, permits, and public safety. Records show there have been bans or pushbacks in some districts, making organisers tread carefully.

Supporters argue that the race revives rural tradition and boosts local identity. Critics, however, warn that grand prizes like Thar-class vehicles and tractors could turn the event into a spectacle rather than a safe community occasion.

As the date approaches, attention will likely shift to how organisers manage logistics, regulation, and the balance between celebration and caution.

Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Also Read- Pune