The Hori Habba is a bull-taming competitive sport held in rural Karnataka. Competitors win by taming the bull or snatching a garland of copras (coconut) or other items tied around the bull's neckIn Hori Habba competitions, held mostly in rural parts, trained and decorated draught cattle and bulls are forced into running through huge cheering crowds. Copra, cash and gifts are tied to these bovines and people try to catch them and snatch these items from them.Apart from Shivamogga, the bull-taming rural sport is also held every year in Haveri, Byadagi, Malluru, Hangal, Devihosuru, Shikaripur, Karjagi, Masuru, Devagiri and Huluginkoppan in Karnataka.First the cattle are decked up and then they are made to run – one after the other – on a track. The race begins. The cattle which doesn’t lose the copra garland strapped around its neck and reaches the goal post, without being touched by anyone, wins the contest and is awarded along with its owner. The award could include 40 to 50 grams of gold, copper water containers and bikes. A catcher who snatches the maximum number of copra garlands also gets handed over prizes. T Those who tame and stop the bulls get prizes like a silver sword.
