Kulkunda fair from November 28
The historic Kulkunda cattle fair will be organised jointly by Sullia taluk Veterinary Cooperative Society and Subrahmanya Gram Panchayat, between November 28 and 30.
Bowing to pressure from the Hindu organisations, the Subrahmanya Gram Panchayat had decided not to hold the cattle fair at Kulkunda this year.
The fair, which attracts 2,000 to 3,000 cattle has traditionally been a meeting point for farmers from Hassan, north Karnataka and Kasaragod to trade cattle.
The Bajrang Dal had alleged that most of the cattle end up in slaughterhouses in Kerala. The members had even created ruckus during the last year’s fair. Disappointed over the incident, the Gram Panchayat had decided not to hold the fair this year.
However, later Sangh Parivar members said that they are not against holding cattle fair but want to check the slaughtering of the cattle. With the gram panchayat deciding not to hold the fair, villagers had decided to hold a gou puja (cow worship) ritual.
The fair has its own religious significance.Rathotsava at Kukke Subrahmanya starts after the cattle land at the Kulkunda fair.
The Gram Panchayat has imposed a few restrictions while purchasing and selling cattle.
The buyer should possess an identity card to ensure that he was a farmer. Accordingly, he has to produce ‘Pahani pathra,’ or any other ID card issued by the government.
On the health of the cattle, the veterinary doctor should certify that it is healthy. The sellers should maintain cleanliness in the area. Permission should be taken from the transport authorities while transporting the cattle.
The fee fixed by the APMC should be paid by the owner and buyer, said officials in Subrahmanya gram panchayat.
