Pacu Jawi - Indonesian Cow Race

[UNVERIFIED CONTENT] Pacu Jawi in Tanah Datar, Western Sumatra, Indonesia on January 12, 2013 : Pacu Jawi cows participants eating grass before racing. The annual Cow Race tradition in muddy rice fields to celebrate the of harvest season known as Pacu Jawi. Took place in Simabur Village, Tanah Datar region participated by 300 pairs of cow from 4 districts, Pariangan, Lima Kaum, Rambatan, and Sungai Tarub. Pacu Jawi or Cow Race as it translates, is an incredible cultural event originating from Tanah Datar region. This event has been around for hundreds of years and was originally an activity undertaken by the farmers after harvest season for leisure as well as a means of entertainment for local people and thanksgiving ritual before start planting season. Jockey rides a pair of cows, holding on to their tails, along 100 meters muddy soaked track in rice field barefoot balancing on a wooden plank names Papik. Papik used to plowing the rice fields. The cow running about 30 km/hours. In order to force the cows to run faster, they would bite on the cow's tail on purpose without using the whip. The two cows are loosely tie together making it that much harder to maintain a long consistent run in Papik Pacu Jawi. This creates some fun and hilarious moments, for instance, two cows would run in different directions splitting the jockey in half. The jockey fall flat on his face in the dirty and muddy water followed by a thunderous claps and cheers from spectators. Pacu jawi knows no winners since the most important aspect is about happines and showcasing the cows. However, good performers, especially the cow, will be rewarded with a marvelous price in the market. The Pacu Jawi culture could be additional economic alternative for people who raise cattle for the race. Pakimarajo (71), cow owner, explained price of cow who win the Pacu Jawi could reach USD $4000