Kila Raipur Sports Festival- Sadda Punjab, Sadda Tyohar!

The state of Punjab is famous for its lush green fields, prosperous households, the warm ‘Punjabi’ accent and the series of festivities that rejuvenate the people throughout the year. “Sadda Punjab” is quite literally, our own welcoming state. The Kila Raipur Sports Festival, popularly known as the “Rural Olympics” is an undisputed king of sports festival; the craziest and the biggest sports festival in the country. Since its inception in 1933, the festival is a magnum opus of all sports festivals. The festival is a bizarre yet grand affair, where sports lovers from far and wide flock by to witness the thrill and action.

Kila Raipur Sports Festival- Historical Insight

The Kila Raipur Sports Festival was initiated by Inder Singh Grewal, when little did he know that his initiative would transform metaphorically. The venue of the festival is the prosperous and culturally rich state of Punjab, precisely the Doaba belt. The Kila Raipur Sports Festival is potentially world’s largest sporting festival and an action-packed extravaganza. You can witness sports-lovers competing in the most bizarre, hair-raising and strangest way possible. This year, the Kila Raipur Sports Festival proudly celebrates its 80^th edition from 4th February to 7th February, 2016. Add to this plethora the spirit of Punjab and the vibrant colours of the state to garnish your stay.

KRSF Source

The festival will commence on 4^th February, 2016 and will mark its end on 7^th February, 2016. The four-day long extravaganza promises an experience like never-before for all sport-lovers! Initiated by Grewal family an an annual meet, the Kila Raipur Sports festival is held in Village Kila Raipur of Ludhiana district every year. The festival is recognised by Sports Authority of India, Tourism department, Punjab Government as well as local Ludhiana administration. 

KRSF- A Spectacular Gathering

The festival witnesses over 6000+ competitors every year, with over 500,000 spectators, cheering and supporting their favourites. Kila Raipur Sports Festival is a huge and thrilling event which marks its footsteps ahead of other sports festivals. With over six decades of its existence, the festival has progressed through leaps and bounds. The magnitude of the festival can be gauged from the fact that the festival entertains more than 18 different sports events like bullock cart race, kabbaddi, hockey, tug of war, cycling, weight lifting, tent pegging, race, tractor race etc.

Nihang Sikhs Source

Splendid and daring performances by the Nihang Sikhs are another crucial highlights of the festival. The most wildest and adventurous festivals of the world, KRSF promises its spectators an experience like never before.

Bhangra Source

Besides the action packed festival, the KRSF also boasts of memorable and musical evenings along with festive folk songs and folk dances. Giddhas and Bhangras are a part and parcel of Punjabi celebrations. The magnificence of the festival lies in its dual merriment of action and cultural extravaganza.

KRSF- Event Highlights

Kila Raipur Sports Festival has an impressive list of events that cater to various genre of sports. The events are roughly categorised into three parts; The Rural games, The modern sports and the performing sports. Athletics comprises of 100 m, 200 m, 400 m, 800 m and 1500 m race. There are various categories for women, men, U-19 and veterans. Besides, the festival has High Jump, Long Jump, Short Put, Javelin Throw and Discus Throw.

Horse Race Source

Further, the festival has competitions for sports like hockey, kabaddi, tug of war, bullock cart race, dog race, cycle race and many more. The spectacular festival also boasts of events like archery, air pistol, sack-lifting, para-gliding, tractor race, aero-modeling show, tent pegging etc. For differently abled citizens, thee festival has events for people with hearing impairment, speech-impairment and disabled.

Dog Race Source

The unique Octogenarian race is another adventurous and splendid crowd-puller in the festival.

The festival is a thunderous event where one can witness sports-persons pulling tractors with teeth or nose; riding two horses simultaneously, or heavy stone cracking by placing it on the chest.

 Kila Raipur Sports Festival- Handy Tips to Follow

Mela Source

The festival is a rural affair, 15 km from the district of Ludhiana. Make sure you carry enough essentials for the stay. The venue is well connected by rail and road. If you are a faint-hearted person, please brace yourself for the adventurous and most bizarre view of the festival. You may find people testing their strengths by adrenaline-pumping or trail-blazing.

Punjab! Source

The weather during February may vary from extreme cold to moderately spring-y one. The city of Ludhiana is well equipped with accommodation and hospitality. You may also visit a few nearby places exclusive to Punjab. Make sure you grab your camera for special effects in and around the festival. There are a variety of Gurudwaras, Museums and hangout joints near Ludhiana. So why wait? Pack your bags and pull your socks to witness the adventurous extravaganza of all times!