Cattle races are part of Kerala's traditional festivals which begins with the harvest season every year. It is said that these practices were passed on through generations for over 200 years. Also known as 'Kaalappootu' or 'Maramadi' in Malayalam, these race bullocks used in the races are fed on special diets, and a well-trained pair costs around Rs 15 lakhs. Cattle owners say they spend a fortune for every race.

   Animal rights activists have protested against bullock races, pointing to the Supreme Court's ban on the jallikattu bull races on land, held in parts of Tamil Nadu. But cattle owners insist their animals are not ill-treated. Abuse or not, the energy in the soil is inexplicable.